Wednesday, September 16, 2015

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration - Beautiful Raspberry

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
After Restoration
This is Schwinn Super Sport season around the shop.  A couple weeks ago I restored Joel's Schwinn Super Sport and now there are four more Super Sports in the pipeline. Starting with this crazy cool Super Sport in the crazy cool purple color.  The long time ago owner heavily modified this Super Sport.  What I love about the Schwinn Super Sport and the Raleigh Super Course is they are almost a blank canvas to build up any way the imagination can come up with.

This 1971 Schwinn Super Sport has definitely been built up in a unique way.  First thing is the handlebars and stem, both are French and the handlebars are an old track bike style.  I really like the set up, unconventional but also very cool.  The derailleurs where replaced with pretty much bullet proof derailleurs.  What is also strange is the original wheels with the alloy rims where replaced with steel rims.  The steel rims wheels will be replaced with the original alloy rim wheels.

The Super Sport is in a little bit of a rough starting condition but I think the purple paint under all the dirt and dullness is in pretty good condition.  The components have a lot of caked on grime and dirt, more then I have seen in a while.  That being said the Super Sport will get a total restoration along with new tires, new tire tubes, new cables, new cable housings, new brake pads, new handlebar tape, and replacement original wheels.  

I have come to really like the Super Sports with their handmade frames, Brooks saddle, super comfortable riding geometry and versatility in ride and builds.  I can't wait to see the purple color polished out and how all those long time ago modifications look after restoration!


1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Bicycle Before

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Bicycle Before
Handlebars

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Bicycle Before
Brake Levers

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Bicycle Before
Front Brake

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Bicycle Before
Front Wheel Hub

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Bicycle Before
Front Wheel Rim

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Bicycle Before
Stem

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Bicycle Before
Headset

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Bicycle Before
Down Tube

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Bicycle Before
Brooks Saddle

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Bicycle Before
Elgin Illinois Bicycle License

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Bicycle Before
Seat Tube

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Bicycle Before
Crank

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Bicycle Before
Front Derailleur

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Bicycle Before
Brooks Saddle

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Bicycle Before
Seat Lug

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Bicycle Before
Rear Brake Caliper

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Bicycle Before
Chain Stays

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Bicycle Before
Rear Derailleur

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Bicycle Before
Rear Wheel Hub

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Bicycle Before
Rear Wheel Rim

I stripped the Super Sport frame of the components.  The frame does look rough and very dirty.  There are a few chips and scratches but not to bad for the Super Sports age.

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Frame Before

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Frame Before
Head Tube

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Frame Before
Head Tube

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Frame Before
Head Tube

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Frame Before
Head Tube

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Frame Before
Down Tube

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Frame Before
Seat Lug

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Frame Before
Seat Tube

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Frame Before
Bottom Bracket

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Frame Before
Bottom Bracket

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Frame Before
Bottom Bracket

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Frame Before
Seat Stays

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Frame Before
Chain Stays

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Frame Before
Drop Outs

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Frame Before
Fork

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Frame Before
Fork Crown

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Frame Before
Fork Crown

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Frame Before
Fork Drop Outs

I cleaned the frame, it took a good amount of elbow grease to get a good deep cleaning.  With the frame cleaned I worked through the polishing grits.  The frame polished beautifully!! Just beautiful!!  The Purple color with a deep shine is really quit stunning!!  One of Schwinn's very cool colors!  I love this stuff!!  I love that chrome fork!

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Frame Polished

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Frame Polished
Head Tube

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Frame Polished
Head Tube

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Frame Polished
Down Tube

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Frame Polished
Seat Lug

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Frame Polished
Bottom Bracket

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Frame Polished
Bottom Bracket

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Frame Polished
Seat Lugs

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Frame Polished
Bottom Bracket

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Frame Polished
Drop Outs

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Frame Polished
Fork

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Frame Polished
Fork Crown

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Frame Polished
Fork Blades

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Frame Polished
Fork Drop Outs
 The Schwinn headset is y favorite all time headset in looks if the shift levers where not on top of it.  The shift levers cover up a beautiful top bearing cap that you never actually see.  The headset was very dirty and the bearing races where caked with very hard dried grease.  I soaked the pieces in the crock pot and then polished everything.  The headset polished very nice and the shift levers even better.  The frame and the headset installed is stunning.  The purple and chrome just pop!  With the bearings packed in new grease the headset spins very smooth.

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Headset& Shift Levers - Before

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Cable HangerBefore

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry - Shift Levers
Before

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Shift Levers - Before

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Headset & Shift Levers - Polished

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Pressing Headset Cups

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Headset Cups Pressed - Stunning!!!!

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Headset Bearings - Packed

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Headset - Complete

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Headset Complete

Here is where the interesting stuff starts.  The handlebars are an old track bar style, very cool but I have never seen them used like this and with brake levers.  The stem is a cool French stem with a lot of character.  The stem and handlebars took a  great deal of polishing but they turned out beautiful.  I love this stuff and all the millions of ways to build up a bike.  I really wish I knew the story behind this set up.

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Handlebars & Stem - Before

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Brake Levers - Before

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Stem - Before

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Stem & Handlebars - Before

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Handlebars - Before

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Handlebars - Before

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Stem - Before

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Stem - Exploded

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Handlebars & Stem - Polished

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Handlebars - Polished

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Stem - Polished

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Stem - Complete

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Stem & Handlebars - Complete

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Stem & Handlebars - Complete

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Stem & Handlebars - Complete - Beautiful!!

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Stem & Handlebars - Complete

The brake levers are not original at all but they do have original after market Schwinn lever colors and in purple no less, very rare.  I cleaned the brake levers and polished the allow.  The levers polished very nice.  I have not decided on the brake lever hood yet, the patina is beautiful but I don't think the hoods will hold up.  Installed the brake levers look great.  I will install the brake lever covers at the end of the restoration.

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Brake Levers - Before

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Brake Levers - Polished

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Brake Levers - Installed

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Brake Levers - Complete

At this time I cleaned and polished the seat post and seat binder.  The seat post polished very nice and the seat color did also.  The rear cable hanger did not polish very well since it was very rusty but it is a cool shaped cable hanger.  Over all I am happy with the results.

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Seat Post - Before

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Seat Post & Binder - Polished

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Seat Post & Binder - Complete

The brake calipers are very nice center pull calipers but even better then the normal center pulls.  These are built differently and I think better, much more solid.  The calipers where very dirty, gritty and greasy.  I cleaned all the pieces and polished everything on the polishing wheels.  I lubricated all the pivot points and installed new brake pads.  The calipers turned out fantastic.  I love center pull brakes for how they look and work and these came back wonderfully!

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Brake Calipers - Before

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Brake Calipers - Before

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Brake Calipers - Exploded

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Brake Calipers - Polished

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Brake Calipers - Complete

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Front Brake Caliper - Installed

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Rear Brake Caliper - Installed

The derailleurs are not the original derailleurs but that is okay.  The current derailleurs are a good choice, the front derailleur a bullet proof Sun Tour and the rear a bullet proof Shimano 400.  The derailleurs where very dirty, very stubborn dirt and very gritty.  I cleaned all the pieces and started the polishing.  The derailleurs polished fantastic and they work and look great.  Installed they look even better.  i will install the front derailleur when I install the crank.

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Derailleurs - Before

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Sun Tour Front Derailleur - Before

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Sun Tour Front Derailleur - Before

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Sun Tour Front Derailleur - Before

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Sun Tour Front Derailleur - Exploded

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Sun Tour Front Derailleur - Polished

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Sun Tour Front Derailleur - Complete

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Sun Tour Front Derailleur - Complete

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Sun Tour Front Derailleur - Complete

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Shimano 400 Rear Derailleur - Before

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Shimano 400 Rear Derailleur - Before

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Shimano 400 Rear Derailleur - Before

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Shimano 400 Rear Derailleur - Exploded

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Shimano 400 Rear Derailleur - Polished

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Shimano 400 Rear Derailleur - Complete

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Shimano 400 Rear Derailleur - Complete

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Shimano 400 Rear Derailleur - Complete

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Shimano 400 Rear Derailleur - Installed

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Derailleurs - Complete
While the crank was soaking I decided to restore the wheels.  The wheels are from a Super Sport to replace the steel rim wheels the Super Sport had on it.  The wheels where in okay starting shape.  I broke down the wheels and started the cleaning and polishing process.

The old grease was nasty but after cleaning it out the wheel hubs and rims polished fantastically.  with the bearings packed in new grease the wheels spin forever!  I installed the new rim liners, new tire tubes and new gum wall tires.  The wheels look amazing installed on the polished purple frame!!

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Rear Wheel - Before

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Rear Wheel Rim - Before - Look at those nasty old tires!

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Rear Wheel Hub - Before

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Rear Wheel Hub - Before

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Rear Wheel Hub - Old Grease

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Rear Wheel Hub - Polished

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
REar Wheel Hub - Bearings Packed

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Axle Pieces Ready

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
New Gum Wall Tires

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Rear Wheel - Complete

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Rear Wheel - Complete

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Front Wheel - Before

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Front Wheel Hub - Before

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Front Wheel Rim - Before

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Front Wheel Hub - Old Grease

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Front Wheel Hub - Polished

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Front Wheel Hub - Bearings Packed

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Front Wheel - Complete
1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Front Wheel - Complete
1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Wheels - Complete


The crank was very dirty and a little beat up.  I disassembled the crank and got to the cleaning and polishing.  It took a great deal of hand polishing to get the crank looking good but now I would say it looks fantastic!  So bright it is hard to photograph.  Man that crank looks good on the polished restore bike!

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Crank - Before

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Crank - Before

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Crank - Exploded

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Crank Hardware - Before

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Bottom Bracket - Before

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Crank - Polished

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Crank - Complete

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Bottom Bracket - Polished

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Bearing Cups - Pressed

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Bottom Bracket Bearings - Packed

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Crank - Complete
1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Crank - Complete

I started the last work on the Super Sport by installing new brake lever hoods.  The old hoods where just to far gone after cleaning and pretty much crumbled away.  I wish they didn't because they had awesome patina.  The ne brake lever hoods look great though installed!

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
New Brake Lever Hoods

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
New Brake Lever Hoods - Installed Looking Great!

The original pedals where way to far gone.  The owner of the Super Sport had these alloy pedals that came off a very early and rough Schwinn Continental.  What great pedals to have!  I forgot to take a before photo of the pedals but they polished beautifully and look fantastic installed.  Best of all these pedals spin super smooth.

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Original Pedals - To Far Gone

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Replacement Pedals - Polished & Installed
 The Original Brooks saddle is in pretty good starting shape.  I cleaned it and then applied a little proof hide.  The saddle cleaned very well and conditioned very well too.  With a little riding and some body heat and this saddle will be beautiful and soft.  And its hard to beat the patina!!  I love this stuff!!

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Brooks Saddle - Before

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Brooks Saddle - Before

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Brooks Saddle - Cleaned & Conditioned

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Brooks Saddle Installed - I love this stuff!!

Time to wire the Super Sport.  I chose the dark ice gray color for the cable housings, I think it is the perfect color to go with the purple frame.  Everything wired very nice and everything works very smooth now.

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
New Cables & Cable Housings

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Cables - Complete

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Cables - Complete
 The new handlebar tape chosen is a tan synthetic leather.  When I was half way through wrapping the bars I thought maybe the tan was the wrong choice but after I completed the wrapping and stepped back I think it is the perfect choice.  I think the handlebar wrap connects the gum wall tires.


1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
New Handlebar Tape - Installed

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Handlebar Tape - Complete

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Super Sport - Complete
That completes the Schwinn Super Sport.  I took the Super Sport out for a test ride and did the final tuning.  The Super Sport has a fantastic ride but I will say the handlebars did not fit me well.  The Super Sport and most of the Schwinns from this era has fantastic rides.  The geometry is a little slack which helps and the steel frame and set up absorbs every vibration.  The Super Sport rides like a Cadillac and being a Super Sport it rides like a faster Cadillac.

The looks of the Super Sport are amazing.  The polished Raspberry color is amazing.  The Brooks saddle after being treated is perfect.  The handlebars and stem add a tone of character and style.  I really wish I knew the idea behind all the changes way back when.

The lighting was perfect for the final photos but I think they Super Sport shines through!

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Bicycle Complete

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Bicycle Complete

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Bicycle Complete

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Bicycle Complete - Handlebars

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Bicycle Complete - Handlebars

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Bicycle Complete - Stem & Handlebars

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Bicycle Complete - Head Tube

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Bicycle Complete - Front Brake

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Bicycle Complete - Front Wheel Hub

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Bicycle Complete - Front Wheel Rim

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Bicycle Complete - Handlebars

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Bicycle Complete - Stem & Shift Levers

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Bicycle Complete - Front Half

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Bicycle Complete - Brooks Saddle

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Bicycle Complete - Drive Train

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Bicycle Complete - Crank

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Bicycle Complete - Front Derailleur

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Bicycle Complete - Rear Derailleur

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Bicycle Complete - Brooks Saddle

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Bicycle Complete - Rear Brake Calipers

1971 Schwinn Super Sport Restoration Raspberry
Bicycle Complete - Rear Wheel Hub
Thank you for the interest!
John Z.