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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle After |
My friend David C ( He owns the other 1982 Schwinn Superior on the Website which an be seen by clicking here. Some more detailed info is also in that post.) tracked down Don Mayland and talked to him on the phone and a few months later I was able to have a cup of coffee with Don. For ten years I lived a few blocks a way from Don in Racine and never knew it.
Bill's Schwinn Superior was bought new by Bill and its still in pretty good starting restoration condition. It has the Campagnolo Gran Sport derailleurs, Campagnolo crank set, Campagnolo Gran Sport brake caliper and levers and Campagnolo pedals. The components are in good shape but will polish like new and function like new.
The paint is in good shape with some chips but the Superior is worth so much more with original paint and the original paint will really come back nice with some cutting and polishing. New decals will also be installed.
The Superior will get a complete restoration along with all new cables and cable housings, new bearings, new brake lever hoods, new handlebar tape, new Gatorskin tires and tubes and maybe somethings I am forgetting.
I can't wait to get working on the Superior, as I said one of my all time favorite bicycles and you cant beat that orange!
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before Handlebars |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before Head Tube |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before Front Capagnolo Brake Caliper |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before Front Wheel Hub |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before Front Wheel Rim |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before Brake Levers |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before Stem |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before Headset |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before Shift Levers |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before Top Tube Decal |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before Down Tube Decal |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before Water Bottle Cage |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before Saddle |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before Crank |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before Front Derailleur |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before Rear Brake Caliper |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before Rear Derailleur |
The frame is in pretty good shape, there are some paint ships but not enough for a repaint, the frame is to valuable to loose the original in this shape. The paint is dull and dirty but after a deep cleaning, working through polishing grits and a sealer wax the frame looks beautiful! It really turned out nice and the shade of orange is the best. Ia m very happy with the frame results!
The decals will be installed later.
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before Head Tube |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before Lugs |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before Top Tube |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before Down Tube |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before Down Tube |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before Down Tube |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before Bottom Bracket |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before Seat Tube |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before Seat Lug |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before Brake Bridge |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before Drop Outs |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before Fork |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before Fork |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before Fork Crown |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before Fork |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished Head Tube |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished Seat Lug |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished Down Tube |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished Down Tube |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished Bottom Bracket |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished Drop Outs |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished Fork |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished Fork |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished Fork Crown |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished Fork Chrome |
Both the headset and bottom bracket polished beautifully, the headset is one of my favorites design wise. I could not be happier!
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Headset & Bottom Bracket Before |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Headset & Bottom Bracket Polished |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration Pressing Headset Cups |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Headset Cups Pressed |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Headset Bearings Packed |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration Headset Complete |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration Bottom Bracket - Complete |
The stem is a beautiful SR stem, I will double check that though because I am thinking different as I sit down and type. The handlebars are y favorite and the ones I ride, Sauke Road Champions.
Th stem has a brushed finish but is scratch up and does not look right with the scratches. I polished the stem on the power polisher to get an even consistent mirror finish, it turned out fantastic, the alloy is such good quality that it polished perfect.
The handlebars took a lot of cleaning but they also polished beautifully. The stem and handlebars installed look incredible against the polished orange and the highly polished headset.
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Handlebars - Before |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Handlebars Before |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Stem & Handlebars Before |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Handlebars - Before |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Stem - Before |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Stem - Exploded |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Stem - Polished |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Stem & Handlebars Polished |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Stem & Handlebars Polished - Beautiful!!! |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration Stem & Handlebars - Complete |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Stem & Handlebars Complete |
The crank is a fantastic Campagnolo Gran Sport, just beautiful!! The crank is in pretty good shape, a few scuffs in the brushed finish. A while back the non drive side crank arm broke on Bill a bike shop installed a somewhat poor match replacement that is seen in the photos below. I can't believe that Bill actually found just a single non drive side replacement but he did, amazing!
It took a deep cleaning to get the crank and chain rings looking good after that I did a lot of hand polishing. Campagnolo cranks have a brushed finish to them from this era anyways I never know the best way to go, I guess I let the condition of the crank decide. I could use the power polisher but that would only leave a mirror finish. The crank for the Superior turned out pretty nice so I think for now its best to leave the original finish.
I think the crank looks pretty good installed, I did power polish all the crank hardware.
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Crank - Before |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Crank Before Replacement Crank Arm |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Crank Exploded |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Crank Polished |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Crank Complete |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration Crank - Installed |
I love Campagnolo brake calipers from a design standpoint, I love the drooping shape of them and they are high quality too. The calipers for the Superior are in pretty good shape and after cleaning and polishing will look better then new. With the pivot points greased the calipers function perfect and they look fantastic against the polished orange, one of my favorite looks ever!
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Calipers Before |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Calipers Exploded |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Calipers Polished |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Calipers Complete |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration Front Caliper - Installed I love the orange, the caliper & that yellow head badge! |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration Rear Caliper - Installed |
I love Campagnolo shift levers from this era, they look great and work great. These shift levers are in good starting shape, after a good deal of polishing they look quit stunning, I am very pleased with the results.
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Shift Levers & Bracket - Before |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Shift Levers & Bracket - Polished |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Shift Levers Complete - Beautiful! |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Cable Bracket Complete |
The brake levers are very nice Campagnolo Gran Sports, they are in a bit of a rough shape with the hoods rotted and some gouges on the alloy. I filed the gouges as much as I dared and then polished them out, they polished very nice, I have been looking for original brake lever hoods or at least reproduction but the best I have found where near $150 and that is a huge risk for old hoods that could be rotted and dry also.
I replaced the hoods with Cran Creek reproduction, if I can find originals at a reasonable price I will install those. The brake levers do look great polished and new hoods.
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Brake Levers Before |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Brake Levers Before & Old Hoods |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration Brake Levers Polished & New Hoods |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Replacement Brake LEver Hoods - Installed |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Brake Levers Installed |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Brake Levers Installed |
The derailleurs are very Campagnolo Nuevo Cran Sport. The derailleurs are in good shape, just dirty and dull and time for new grease at the moving points. I cleaned both derailleurs and then did the polishing. The front derailleurs polished amazingly, the way the derailleur photographs shows the high polish.
I guess I need to take the rear derailleur photos yet.
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Derailleurs Before |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Front Derailleur Exploded |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Front Derailleur Polished |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration Front Derailleur - Installed |
A new Brooks B17 saddle in black is ordered and will be here in a few days, I can't wait!. I think the Brooks in black is the perfect saddle for the Superior. I have seen two saddles on the Superior before, a Brooks in black and an Italian foam padded saddle that the name is escaping me at the moment.
The seat post polished very nice, the seat post was a little rough and has a few marks but nothing to worry about since they will be hidden in the seat tube.
I will post photos of the Brooks installed when it arrives.
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Seat Post - Before Old Saddle |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Seat Post - Polished |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration Seat Post - Installed |
I thought above I forgot to take photos of the rear derailleur but I actually for got to install the derailleur to the frame according to the photo below. I will do that quickly.
The Superior is really coming along nice!! There will be a bit of a delay for the wheels, well maybe the rear wheel as I am looking for a single original wheel rim to replace the one on the rear. I am looking for a single at a reasonable price.
There are two things I need to take care of on the frame yet, I need to polish the reflector brackets and the water bottle cage and of course the Brooks B17. Below is a photo of the Superior so far.
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Superior So Far. |
To start the morning of work after a brutal Flu bug I got to work on the rear wheel for the Schwinn Superior. We are replacing the rear wheel rim to match what it original had. I ran into a problem right from the start, someone in the past removed the Campagnolo freewheel with a ill fitting freewheel tool, the notches where badly damaged. I worked with some files and was able to repair just enough of the notches to be able to slowly remove the freewheel, I am extremely happy the freewheel removed because damaged freewheel notches are enough to derail the use of a whole wheel.
With the freewheel removed I was able to break down the hub and remove the spokes. The spokes are currently soaking for a a good cleaning and the spoke nipples are soaking in white vinegar.
I cleaned the wheel hub and got to polishing it. Polishing wheel hubs with no rim installed on the power polisher is one of the most satisfying processes of restoration work. The rear wheel hub polished just beautiful. There are few sights in bicycling like a deep polish on a Campy wheel hub!!
I installed new grease and new bearings and the rear hub spins fantastic, I love Campy hubs!!
With the wheel hub polished I got to cleaning the and polishing the replacement Super Champion rim. Like an idiot I got a little greedy in polishing of the rim and slipped a little removing a third of the Super Champion decal. I ordered new Super Champion decals right away which is good because the decals where not in perfect condition to start, the original front rim decal is pretty rough, in the end probably a good slip.
The rim did polish beautifully though, I am very happy with the results and when the wheel is assembled on new Gatorskin tires will bee better then new!!
Later today when the spokes are done soaking and clean and the spoke nipples also I will lace the wheel.
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration Rear Wheel - Before |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Rear Wheel Freewheel Before |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Rear Wheel Hub Before |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Rear Wheel Rim Before |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Rear Wheel Hub Old Grease |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Rear Wheel Hub Disassembled |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Rear Wheel Hub Before - Campagnolo Hub |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Rear Wheel Hub Before - Love that Campagnolo Logo! |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Rear Wheel Hub Polished |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Rear Wheel Hub Polished - Beautiful!! |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Rear Wheel Hub Polished - Beautiful!! |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Rear Wheel Hub Polished - Beautiful!! |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Rear Wheel Hub Complete |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Rear Wheel Hub Complete |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration Replacement Rear Wheel Rim - Before |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration Replacement Rear Wheel Rim - Before |
I laced the rear wheel this afternoon. It gave me a heck of a time with radial true but after sometime and slowing down I got the wheel perfectly true. I think this is just a beautiful wheel!! The Campagnolo hub is stunning, the Super Champion rim polished perfect and all together the wheel looks quit stunning, especially against the orange. Just need those new Super Champion decals.
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Rear Wheel Laced |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Rear Wheel Hub Complete |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Rear Wheel Rim Polished |
At the same time I started the rear wheel I started the front wheel, the front wheel is all original and descent starting shape. I disassembled the wheel hub and cleaned the wheel. Next on the rear wheel is to start the polishing.
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration Front Wheel - Before |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Front Wheel Hub Before |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Front Wheel Rim Before |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Front Wheel Hub Old Grease |
The front hub cleaned very well and polished beautifully! I could not be happier with the front wheel hub, with new grease and bearings the wheel spins like butter. Schwinn sure made a good choice in wheels when they where putting the Superior together.
The front wheel took some doing to get true but it is now, there is a replacement spoke on the front wheel with a spoke nipple that is slightly different then the rest. I am trying to find a spoke nipple that is a little closer match, so far I have not found one with the correct thread.
There is a photo of the front rim decal, that will be replaced when the replacement decals arrive, that will make a huge difference.
Time to install the Brooks B17. The dirty work is done on the Superior so its a good time to take the Brooks out. The B17 is black a perfect color for the Superior. I installed the saddle and it looks perfect on the Superior, just perfect!
Next is the Continental Gatorskin Titres. I installed the front and it went great, I installed the rear and the tube had a bubble in it, my last tube for the 25 mm Presta size so I will pick up a new tube this afternoon and install the tire. I do have a bunch of tubes ordered that should be here early next week but I would rather just get a tube and finish the tires.
The tire looks great, the Gatorskin has a nice dark color that looks like gum walls and I think its a great look for the Superior.
I got a new tube yesterday afternoon and installed the rear tire. The Superior sure looks fantastic with the tires installed! I love it!
With the tires installed its time to wire the Superior. New cables and new Jagwire Ice Grey cable housings. I chose the ice gray color because I think it compliments the orange paint very well. The original cable housings where a lighter gray that is very hard to match now so I went with a better compliment in my mind.
The front wheel took some doing to get true but it is now, there is a replacement spoke on the front wheel with a spoke nipple that is slightly different then the rest. I am trying to find a spoke nipple that is a little closer match, so far I have not found one with the correct thread.
There is a photo of the front rim decal, that will be replaced when the replacement decals arrive, that will make a huge difference.
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Front Wheel Hub Polished |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration Front Wheel - Complete |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Front Wheel Hub Complete |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Old Front Rim Decal |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Wheels Complete |
Time to install the Brooks B17. The dirty work is done on the Superior so its a good time to take the Brooks out. The B17 is black a perfect color for the Superior. I installed the saddle and it looks perfect on the Superior, just perfect!
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - New Brooks B17 Saddle |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration Saddle Installed |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Brooks Saddle Installed |
Next is the Continental Gatorskin Titres. I installed the front and it went great, I installed the rear and the tube had a bubble in it, my last tube for the 25 mm Presta size so I will pick up a new tube this afternoon and install the tire. I do have a bunch of tubes ordered that should be here early next week but I would rather just get a tube and finish the tires.
The tire looks great, the Gatorskin has a nice dark color that looks like gum walls and I think its a great look for the Superior.
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration New Tires |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration Front Tire Complete |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Front Tire Complete |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Rear Gatorskin Tire Installed |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Tires Installed |
With the tires installed its time to wire the Superior. New cables and new Jagwire Ice Grey cable housings. I chose the ice gray color because I think it compliments the orange paint very well. The original cable housings where a lighter gray that is very hard to match now so I went with a better compliment in my mind.
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration New Cables & Cable Housings |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Cables Installed |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration Front Brake Cable - Installed |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration Rear Brake Cable - Installed |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration Derailleur Cable - Installed - Poor Photo |
When the rim decals arrive I will install all of the decals because it will be quicker and cleaner to do them all at ounce. Tomorrow the chain, freewheel and pedals and if its not snowing like its suppose to do a quick test ride.
The pedals are very nice Campagnolo pedals. I cleaned the pedals and started the hand polishing. I hand polish the pedals because it is impossible to get the polishing wheel in the tight areas and then you get a blotchy look. The hand polishing gives an even finish. The pedals polished pretty good and are in pretty good shape especially because pedals take a beating. After lubricating the pedals spin very well!
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Pedals - Before |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Pedals - Before |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Campagnolo Pedals - Polished |
The freewheel had some damage to the freewheel tool notches. I filed the notches square and then cleaned and lubricated the freewheel. I put a heavy coat of grease on the freewheel threads and installed it, the grease will keep it from freezing up in the future and make it easier to remove if need be.
After installing the freewheel I installed the chain. I cleaned the chain a while ago and had it soaking for a bout a week in oil, the chain is in very good shape. With the chain installed I did some minor tuning of the shifting and now it the Superior shift super crisp. Hopefully a test ride is in the future??? But with the snow, the -2 Fahrenheit and -16 tomorrow.
As soon as the rim decals come I will finish up the Superior. Wow it sure is looking good! I love the Baby Paramount Superior!!
I was waiting for the rim decal to come and then I would clean the shop and install all the decals and handlebar tape but i have done so much polishing this week and work I had to clean the shop this morning and with a clean shop I installed the handlebar tape and the main decals.
The handlebar tape is a hybrid Synthetic leather with a gel strip so its kind of the best of both worlds and I think the style and look is perfect for the Superior and the black Brooks saddle.
I got the decals from Velocals.com. Velocals.com quality has come a long way, I ordered the UV protected decals for prepainted frames and the quality is not bad I just wish they where a little thinner.
The graphic designer side of me loves the decals for the Superior, I think they are the best Schwinn ever made. Typeface wise the Schwinn word is not much different from there other ones, just the slightest bit different but I love the Blue outlining, its perfect with the orange. The Superior decal I think is the best of all Schwinns, I love the typeface and the fact they did not outline it or highlight it, it is just white and perfect for the orange. I love this stuff!! And I love the looks of the Superior with the new decals!!
I also thing the Schwinn Chicago Decal is perfect, a good new looking Chicago Schwinn decal makes the who restoration.
The decals are applied with the masking backing and after about two hours dry time (They are applied with water and dish soap.) they are dry and the masking can be removed.
The Superior is really coming along fantastic or maybe it has come along fantastic as I am just waiting on the rim decals and the tow clips, it is pretty much done to this point. I love the Superior, it probably is my all time favorite bicycle and I have seen and worked on a lot of bicycles. It may be my favorite mainly because when and where I grew up, lots of Schwinns available, and the Superior Baby Paramount and Paramount where the pinnacle around here in that time. The only Schwinn I think that looks better then the Superior is the Schwinn Volare that was made in 1977 and 1978, it is known as the Japanese Paramount, I own a Volare that is too small for me by a few cm, I found it as someone made it into a single speed, I am still looking for a few parts for it to finish it. When I finish it it is going to my friend Dave Conrad because it is his size and the only person I would ever let have it.
Hopefully the decals come soon so check back for the decals, toe clips and final photos.
The Super Champion rim decals came today in the mail so its time to install them, the decals came from Australia and I have to look the name up again but I am very impressed with the quality of the decal. I gave the decal area one last cleaning and installed them. Wow, the decals really make a huge difference, looks fantastic!!
Next is the new toe clips and straps, the plastic toe clips that where on the Superior are fine but to get the classic look we are installing MKS metal toe clips and Zefal leather Christophe straps. I installed the clips and straps and it does make a nice difference in the restoration I am glad the metal clips where chosen!
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Freewheel Cleaned & Lubricated |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Freewheel & Chain Complete |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Freewheel Chain - Complete |
I was waiting for the rim decal to come and then I would clean the shop and install all the decals and handlebar tape but i have done so much polishing this week and work I had to clean the shop this morning and with a clean shop I installed the handlebar tape and the main decals.
The handlebar tape is a hybrid Synthetic leather with a gel strip so its kind of the best of both worlds and I think the style and look is perfect for the Superior and the black Brooks saddle.
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration New Handlebar Tape |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Handlebar Tape Half Installed |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Handlebar Tape Installed |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Handlebar Tape Installed - Love it! |
I got the decals from Velocals.com. Velocals.com quality has come a long way, I ordered the UV protected decals for prepainted frames and the quality is not bad I just wish they where a little thinner.
The graphic designer side of me loves the decals for the Superior, I think they are the best Schwinn ever made. Typeface wise the Schwinn word is not much different from there other ones, just the slightest bit different but I love the Blue outlining, its perfect with the orange. The Superior decal I think is the best of all Schwinns, I love the typeface and the fact they did not outline it or highlight it, it is just white and perfect for the orange. I love this stuff!! And I love the looks of the Superior with the new decals!!
I also thing the Schwinn Chicago Decal is perfect, a good new looking Chicago Schwinn decal makes the who restoration.
The decals are applied with the masking backing and after about two hours dry time (They are applied with water and dish soap.) they are dry and the masking can be removed.
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - New Schwinn Superior Decals |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Down Tube Decal Drying |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Deals - Drying |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration Seat Tube Decal Drying |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Down Tube Decal - Complete |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Superior Top Tube Decal - Maybe my Favorite of all bicycle decals |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration Chicago Schwinn Decal - Compelte |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Decals & Handlebar Tape Complete |
The Superior is really coming along fantastic or maybe it has come along fantastic as I am just waiting on the rim decals and the tow clips, it is pretty much done to this point. I love the Superior, it probably is my all time favorite bicycle and I have seen and worked on a lot of bicycles. It may be my favorite mainly because when and where I grew up, lots of Schwinns available, and the Superior Baby Paramount and Paramount where the pinnacle around here in that time. The only Schwinn I think that looks better then the Superior is the Schwinn Volare that was made in 1977 and 1978, it is known as the Japanese Paramount, I own a Volare that is too small for me by a few cm, I found it as someone made it into a single speed, I am still looking for a few parts for it to finish it. When I finish it it is going to my friend Dave Conrad because it is his size and the only person I would ever let have it.
Hopefully the decals come soon so check back for the decals, toe clips and final photos.
The Super Champion rim decals came today in the mail so its time to install them, the decals came from Australia and I have to look the name up again but I am very impressed with the quality of the decal. I gave the decal area one last cleaning and installed them. Wow, the decals really make a huge difference, looks fantastic!!
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - New Wheel Rim Decals |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Front Rim Before Decal |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Rear Rim Before Decal |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Decal Installed |
Next is the new toe clips and straps, the plastic toe clips that where on the Superior are fine but to get the classic look we are installing MKS metal toe clips and Zefal leather Christophe straps. I installed the clips and straps and it does make a nice difference in the restoration I am glad the metal clips where chosen!
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - New Toe Clips & Leather Straps |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Toe Clips Installed |
I was looking at the Superior after installing the two clips, one last go over and it seemed something was missing, it was the reflectors and water bottle cage. I polished the reflector mounting brackets and cleaned the reflectors. Installed the reflectors look good and complete the look.
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Reflectors Polished |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Rear Reflector Installed |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Water Bottle Cage Installed |
That complete the 1982 Schwinn Superior, it is a beautiful bike!!
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete |
I have tried for years to mix a match of touch up paint to match the Schwinn orange and nothing looks right, it looks worse then the paint chips so i cleared the paint chips just to protect them.
I tuned the Superior on the stand and it is tuned very nicely, maybe just a quick small adjustment for road tuned when that can happen. I already know on the Schwinn Superior (Baby Paramount) ride and that is fantastic. The components are very nice and work very well and the ride overall is very smooth and surprisingly quick for that smoothness.
I love this Schwinn Superiors, an all time favorite in the top of my list. I know very few of these where made, I have now preserved one and restored one, hopeful there are more in my future!
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete Front |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete Handlebars |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete Stem - Yes I am wearing my usual flannel. |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete Front Brake |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete Front Campagnolo Wheel Hub |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete Wheel Rim |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete Brake Lever |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete Headset |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete Head Badge |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete Stem |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete Campagnolo Shift Levers |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete Superior Decal |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete Down Tube Decal |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete Front Half |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete Brooks B17 |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete Chicago Schwinn Decal - That is really nice! |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete Drive Train |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete Crank |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete Campagnolo Front Derailleur |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete Campagnolo Front Derailleur |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete Rear Campagnolo Brake |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete Rear Campagnolo Derailleur |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete Rear Wheel Hub |
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| Bill K's 1982 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete Rear Wheel Rim - New Super Champion Decal |
John Z.
Those are Nuovo Tipo hubs, the hubs don't have barrel oiler holes (unlike Record Hubs), and the QRs don't have wing-nut loops they are simple, and the cams are held on with circlips, not dome nuts. Campagnolo Nuovo Tipo hubs are like that.
ReplyDeleteNice job on the Superior. Above and beyond. I do a lot of this kind of work too, on all kinds of classic bikes. See them here
ReplyDeletehttps://www.flickr.com/photos/8379107@N03/collections/72157606377598435/
Plenty of nice Campy repro hoods available you know. Just check ebay. Cheers, Bob
Very nice! Took a lot of time and effort,skill and artistic touch to do all that nice work im sure. It seems its getting harder to attract people who might appreciate nice old quality bikes where i live as i (try) reselling them when i find them at flea markets,garage and estate sales. I very often find bikes in really good condition and its a good thing because people around where i live wouldnt pay me for my time and effort if i went through all your steps at restoration.I see people who buy an old heavy common road bike frame,throw a flip flop rear hub on it and say its a "custom" fixie bike and ask $500 for it,thinking they are artistic or original!
ReplyDeleteI am about to buy a 1982 Schwinn Superior. It is in nice shape, but needs a good cleaning. The name Superior on top tube and Name Schwinn on down tube are not perfect. Where did you get your decals from. You say Velocals.com. Do they have an address or phone number.
ReplyDeleteThanks John.