49 Schwinn Upgrade

mazdaflyer · #1 (**permalink**) 03-23-2009, 10:10 PM

Hopefully the link below shows my 49 Schwinn fitted with a 80cc RAW Motors engine fron Zone 8 Cycling. It has a custom mounting bracket fabricated from a Simpson framing tee, rubber flooring pads and SS U-bolts. I changed the original skip tooth hub and sprocket for a Bendix rear coaster hub which provided clearance for the rear drive gear and brake arm. The original Schwinn crank had to be changed to new wider spread crank providing motor clearance for pedaling. I also added a wire pull from the choke to the top tube that doesn't show up in the photo. I plan on adding a drum brake to the front wheel for better braking. Will probably leave the bike in rust and faded paint as a rat rod.

I haven't got the idle quite adjusted and acutally lost the idle screw on a test run.

Venice Motor Bikes · #2 (**permalink**) 03-23-2009, 10:19 PM

Very cool!!! Old Schwinns rule!!!

ibcnya · #3 (**permalink**) 03-23-2009, 10:39 PM

Nice bike, that chainring is mammoth. What is it a 50 something tooth?

**fairracing31** · #4 (**permalink**) 03-27-2009, 03:59 AM

Very cool, love the lights!

mazdaflyer · #5 (**permalink**) 04-03-2009, 10:53 PM

I found a source for the idle screw and got it adjusted. I found a drum brake for the front wheel and I'm in process of getting it installed. It should beat the rear coaster brake. Will post new photos when finished.

NEAT TIMES · #6 (**permalink**) 04-03-2009, 11:06 PM

Mazdaflyer, Welcome And Thanks For Sharing. Ron

mazdaflyer · #7 (**permalink**) 04-05-2009, 08:49 PM

I found a drum brake online. I had it laced up with 12 gauge spokes at my local Schwinn shop. I installed the wheel, lever and cable today, ready for a test ride. It works great in the repair stand, always have the rear coaster for backup. Also added a electronic computer "speedometer" to keep track of miles. The axel isn't long enough to add a manual speedo.

**fairracing31** · #8 (**permalink**) 04-05-2009, 09:49 PM

That looks great!

commander · #9 (**permalink**) 04-05-2009, 09:52 PM

very nice build and you gave me a great idea about adding a choke cable to activate it . That will be on my next to do list. and your lights are very cool

**2door** · #10 (**permalink**) 04-05-2009, 10:38 PM

Very nice. I love the fact that you didn't change the original paint. Too bad you can't do a patina job on that fuel tank to match the bike. Now that would be cool. It's a very classic look. I was comparing your bike with a friend's Schwinn Point Beach. Except for the cantilever bar, they're very close. Apparently Schwinn recognized that they had a winning design and hasn't changed it much over the yeras. Thanks for sharing the pix with us and welcome to the forum. BTW...your bike is 2 years younger than me.
Tom