1950 Panther Project

[chainmaker]

OK so Im still waiting for a few key parts to trickle in but since Ive done a bit for the bike so far I thought Id start a thread. I got a Panther frame for Christmas and I deceided to build My (current) dream-ride!
Plans so-far for this bike;
1950 Schwinn Panther Frame
Stainless in frame tank and Boardtracker bars by Sportscarpat
Husky wheels relaced with-8 speed Sturmey w/90 mm drum, and90 mm Sturmey front drum
SBP hd shift kit



I am recycling from last years bike that was only ridden 1/2 gal of fuel

Beefy Monark forks
Zoom 80 with sbp expansion, manic intake w/ matched ports

So here are the wheels I finished the other day I have only taken out the inital slack on the spokes. I used 12 gauge stainless spkoes from Holmes Hobby. First is the rear wheel

Front Wheel with modified (By Venice Motorbikes) brake arm , to fit Monark forks.

I will post more as I get there.

Cheers

 

[Venice Motor Bikes]

Looking good!

 

[jbcruisin]

Good looking stuff. Can't wait to see it at my rally.

 

[ruppster]

I likey! Those frames are great looking. Looks like your going top shelf components too so you can't go wrong.Did you have to drill the hub to fit those spokes? The guy building my wheels is having trouble with getting the spokes he thinks he needs and I have the same set up you do. What are you using for length and brand because he isn't ever going to have my wheels done unless I hold his hand. PLEASE HELP, Brian

 

[chainmaker]

Sorry you are having a problem with your wheel builder, as far as telling you what size spokes Im using I will check when I go home..but the size may not work for your rim/hub combo. I thought I was going to have to drill them but they fit (really snug going in from the inside of the flange)

Cheers

 

[LS614]

I'm really interested in this build. Give us more! Your plan sounds great and I can't wait to see how it turns out best of luck!
-LS

 

[chainmaker]

I got the wheels trued and tires mounted. The shift kit came so I sanded and painted the mounting brackets. Got good news ....My tank and frame should be here next week so I can start really putting this thing together here are a couple pics of the finished wheels.

Will post more as I can

 

[ruppster]

looking good, really good! Where's the tank and frame at?

 

[chainmaker]

Tank and Frame were/ are at Sportscarpats. It should come together pretty fast... I have most everything , I just need to strip and shoot it.
Cheers

 

[sportscarpat]

Hey Troy,
Look what I have kicking around my shop. It looks like your frame and tank. Just so everyone knows I have said many times that the Panther frames have all been exactly the same and this has allowed a real nice consistant fit with my tanks. Well, this was the first Panther frame that was different. Must have been a newbie in the Schwinn straightbar department 60 years ago as this frame was a little tighter in the tank area and required a custom fitted tank. I had to give the tank a bit of a trim to fit. All is good now and it's on it's way. Oh, the poster in the backround may say Pantera, but that is a 1950 Panther frame!
Enjoy the build,
Pat


DSC06174 by Sportsman Flyer, on Flickr

 

[LS614]

lookin good pat

 

[chainmaker]

SWEET !!!! Time to get going on this one. Just got all my paints in the mail yesterday.
Tank looks super cool!!! Thanks for the special fitting Pat!

 

[matthurd]

that's gonna be a real nice bike, lookin good on his tank too pat.

 

[silverbear]

You really can't go wrong on your build with such a great foundation. I think the straight bar Schwinn is one of the best looking, well made frames ever and Pat's tank is perfect for it. I know, since I have his very first one. The front fork is just right and you did a great job on the wheels. I am just finishing up my first set of wheels using a Jawa front hub, Bendix rear, original Schwinn rims and 12 G spokes... a very satisfying experience building your own. You're right... it is a dream bike, for sure. You must be pretty excited about it!
SB

 

[silverbear]

You really can't go wrong on your build with such a great foundation. I think the straight bar Schwinn is one of the best looking, well made frames ever and Pat's tank is perfect for it. I know, since I have his very first one. The front fork is just right and you did a great job on the wheels. I am just finishing up my first set of wheels using a Jawa front hub, Bendix rear, original Schwinn rims and 12 G spokes... a very satisfying experience building your own. You're right... it is a dream bike, for sure. You must be pretty excited about it!
SB

 

[ruppster]

SWEET !!!! Time to get going on this one. Just got all my paints in the mail yesterday.
Tank looks super cool!!! Thanks for the special fitting Pat!

What kind of paint did you get mail order?

 

[chainmaker]

I ordered dupli-color automotive one step paint system from www.jegs.com Im going to airbrush it on. Black and red in the same pattern thats on the frame now.

 

[Venice Motor Bikes]

Pics!!!

 

[Allen_Wrench]

I ordered dupli-color automotive one step paint system from JEGS Performance Auto Parts - Holley - Billet Specialties - Edelbrock - MSD - Moroso - Mr Gasket Im going to airbrush it on. Black and red in the same pattern thats on the frame now.

I like that paint. I'm using the shade of red they call "Radiant Fire". It's the same shade of red that was on my old Mitsubishi Eclipse. In sunlight it's so RED! that it's like flypaper for cops. I never worried about being alone if I should break down or get carjacked.

 

[chainmaker]

Not much to see right now...combination of being busy at work and I am doing two bikes at the same time. I sanded a good portion of the panther and the Monarks yesterday. Still have to get into all the crevices.