Thursday, February 4, 2016

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - A Rough Start and a Long Process

Over the summer Shannon and I went bike hunting through Wisconsin one Saturday afternoon and evening.  We picked up a Schwinn city bike in Fort Atkinson and this very rough Schwinn Prelude in I want to say Mayville.  It was a great day exploring and a we found a really cool restaurant called the Mine Shaft in Hartford or maybe Heartland.

The Schwinn Prelude was extremely rough, it was left in a damp place for quite a while.  When we got to Mayville and I saw the bike I almost past on it even at a really good price but maybe it wasn't a really good price when you consider the shape.  But we explored all that way I decided to take a flyer.  The guy I dealt with was really nice and had an amazing garage for working on hot rods, that was cool to see.

I really like the mid 1980's Preludes.  They are very light and nimble steel bicycles made with Columbus tubing.  They have a great component set with a Suntour Cyclone drive train and really nice wheels.  They have a great look and a great fast ride.  The only thing is I don't understand why they named it the Prelude, it is a much nicer bike then a introduction, introduction being the definition of Prelude.

Now comes the scary part, the Prelude is so rough, the paint is shot with a lot of rust.  The components look rough and are very stiff and gritty.  I am not worried about the components however because I am confident they will restore beautifully and function great in the end.   The stem was frozen in place but thank god the seat post was free.  I heated the stem up with a torch making sure the heat went in to the fork steer tube.  With the stem and steer tube warmed up I had my dad carefully pour cold water on the stem just trying to get the stem and not the fork tube.  This makes the stem cool of and shrink much faster then the fork tube.  The stem broke free very easy doing this.  The rest of the bike took some work to disassemble but nothing to hard.

The Prelude frame will be getting some work along with a new powder coat paint job and new decals.  The headset and bottom bracket will be replaced.  I have not picked the bottom bracket yet but I do have a nice new Velo Orange headset for the Prelude.  The Schwinn Prelude will get all new cables and cable housings, new brake pads, new brake lever hoods, new handlebar tape, all new bearings, new tires and tubes and have not decided on a saddle yet.

This Prelude has been a very long process and finally just finishing up the paint.  I can't wait to ride the Prelude and see the results.  I would really like to see some results as I have been working on the Prelude on and off for so long.


1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Bicycle Before

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Bicycle Before

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Bicycle Before
Handlebars

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Bicycle Before
Brake Levers

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Bicycle Before
Stem

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Bicycle Before
Head Tube

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Bicycle Before
Front Brake Caliper

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Bicycle Before
Front Wheel Hub

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Bicycle Before
Front Wheel Rim

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Bicycle Before
Stem

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Bicycle Before
Headset

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Bicycle Before
Head Tube

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Bicycle Before
Front Wheel Hub

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Bicycle Before
Shift Levers

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Bicycle Before
Shift Levers

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Bicycle Before
Top Tube Rust

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Bicycle Before
Top Tube Rust

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Bicycle Before
Top Tube Rust

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Bicycle Before
Seat Tube Decal

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Bicycle Before
Down Tube

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Bicycle Before
Seat Tube

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Bicycle Before
Crank

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Bicycle Before
Front Derailleur

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Bicycle Before
Front Derailleur

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Bicycle Before
Front Derailleur

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Bicycle Before
Pedal

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Bicycle Before
Bottom Bracket

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Bicycle Before
Seat Lug

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Bicycle Before
Rear Brake Caliper

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Bicycle Before
Rear Derailleur

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Bicycle Before
Rear Wheel Hub

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Bicycle Before
Rear Wheel Rim

Besides the stem the rest of the bike tore down fairly easy considering.  The frame is rough.  There is some heavy rust in places.  After close inspection I found no cracks or dents either.   I still think the frame is worth saving.

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Frame Before

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Frame Before
Head Tube

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Frame Before
Head Tube

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Frame Before
Top Tube Cable Bracket

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Frame Before
Down Tube

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Frame Before
Top Tube

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Frame Before
Cable Bracket

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Frame Before
Top Tube Rust

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Frame Before
Seat Lug Area

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Frame Before
Down Tube

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Frame Before
Seat Tube

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Frame Before
Columbus Decal

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Frame Before
Bottom Bracket

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Frame Before
Bottom Bracket

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Frame Before
Seat Stays

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Frame Before
Chain Stays

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Frame Before
Drop Outs

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Frame Before
Fork

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Frame Before
Fork Crown

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Frame Before
Fork Crown

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Frame Before
Fork Blades

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Frame Before
Drop Outs
I was pleasantly surprised when a lot of the rest brushed off with a wire brush, some was as bad as it looked some definitely was not as bad as it looked.  Next I hit the rough spots with a wire wheel in a grinder to see how bad it was.  The rust went a way and there was spots where there was pitting.  One of the top tube cable brackets was bad.  

I am not sure at want point I took the photos below.  I know its before I gave the light pass in the media blaster for powder coating.  I replaced two of the top tube cable brackets.  I also brazed a little braze into a few of the rougher rust pitting spots and smoothed it out.  I did leave to small spots on the top tube and bottom bracket where I did not want to remove a lot of metal.  Over all I am very happy with how the frame came back and how it looks in its raw form.  It is a beautifully built frame.  I love the seat lug shape and the binder bolt recess, that s awesome!

I am a little frustrated in finding all the photos since I have been working on the frame slowly for the last six months, I will post more as I find them.


1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
 Frame Getting Close to Powder Coat

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
 Frame Getting Close to Powder Coat
Head Tube

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
 Frame Getting Close to Powder Coat
Seat Lug

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
 Frame Getting Close to Powder Coat
Down Tube

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
 Frame Getting Close to Powder Coat
Drop Outs

This week I finally got to the powder coating.  I have a vision in my head of a slight metallic blue with a silver head tube, silver cut outs in the fork crown and silver or blue flutes in the seat post.

The metallic blue really turned out nice!!  I believe it is called Crystal Lake Blue or Lake Crystal Blue.  The photos don't show the slight metallic flake but it is really nice in person, just the right amount.   I also like the darkness of the blue, its not to electric blue and its not navy blue either.  I am very happy with the results!!  Just a slight unsmoothness (probably a made up word) in the slightly rough spot on the top tube. 

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Frame Powder Coated

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Frame Powder Coated
Head Tube

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Frame Powder Coated
Head Tube

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Frame Powder Coated
Top Tube

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Frame Powder Coated
Rough Spot Top Tube

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Frame Powder Coated
Seat Lug

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Frame Powder Coated
Bottom Bracket

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Frame Powder Coated
Seat Lug

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Frame Powder Coated
Seat Stays

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Frame Powder Coated
Drop Outs

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Frame Powder Coated
Fork

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Frame Powder Coated
Fork

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Frame Powder Coated
Fork Crown

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Frame Powder Coated
Fork Crown

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Frame Powder Coated
Fork Crown Cut Outs

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration - Frame Powder Coated
Fork Drop Outs

To help set the frame on the paint table to paint the head tube I installed the Velo Orange headset plus I just wanted to see the headset installed!  Velo Orange are my favorite headsets, they look great and are a great value.

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Pressing Headset Cups

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Headset Cups Pressed

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Headset - Complete

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Headset - Complete

This morning I taped off the head tube for painting.  Now that I have it taped off I am kind of questioning the choice of a silver head tube.  I am kind of thinking black now like Marks Team Miyata restoration from last year or maybe even white.  I am going to sleep on it.  But right now I am thinking black.

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Head Tube Masked for Paint
So after going back and fourth for a night I chose Silver.  I wasn't sure on the silver so I left it masked for a day encase I changed my mind.  As Shannon told me it looks great just pull the tape.  I did and it turned out fantastic!  I am very very happy with the silver against the blue!!

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Debating on pulling the tape!

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Tape Pulling!

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Tape Pulled - Awesome!!

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Head Tube Painted

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Head Tube Painted

I then installed the head badge and it looks even better!!  I wish the head badge was in a little better condition, actually its in pretty good condition, just one small spot that I wish was better.  I have been keeping an eye out for another but the original head badge should be on the bike with the original born on date.

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Head Badge Installed

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Head Badge Installed

From Here all the components have been done for a while but now it is time to install them.  First was the stem and handlebars.  You can see on the bottom of the stem where it was frozen in place.  I was very lucky it broke free with not much trouble.  The stem and handlebars polished very nice, I couldn't be happier considering where they started.  Installed they look fantastic!

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Stem & Handlebars - Before

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Handlebars - Before

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Stem - Before

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Stem - Before

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Stem - Before

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Stem & Handlebars - Polished

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Handlebars - Polished

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Stem - Polished

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Stem & Handlebars - Installed

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Stem & Handlebars - Installed

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Stem & Handlebars - Installed

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Stem & Handlebars - Installed - I Love this Stuff!!

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Stem & Handlebars - Installed

I think the photos and the order I installed things is a little off but the overall idea is there.  The brake calipers looked a little rough but they could have not restored better, just beautiful!  I love this stuff!  Installed the brake calipers are amazing against the silver and blue!

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Brake Calipers - Before

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Brake Calipers - Exploded

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Brake Calipers - Polished

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Brake Calipers - Complete

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Front Brake Caliper - Installed

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Rear Brake Caliper - Installed

I have not decided on a saddle yet, the original saddle is cool and in descent shape, I just haven't decided.  The seat post and hardware cleaned and polished beautifully, they look great next to that new blue!

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Seat Post - Before

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Seat Post - Before

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Seat Post - Polished

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Seat Post - Installed

The brake levers cleaned, polished and lubricated very nice!  They look like new!  The brake lever hoods where shot, they pretty much crumbled off, they will be replaced,  Installed the brake levers look great, I can't wait to see them with new hoods and handlebar tape!

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Brake Levers - Before

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Brake Levers - Polished

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Brake Levers - Installed

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Brake Levers - Installed
 I love these Suntour shift levers, they have a great feel and restored they look like little jewels, it doesn't get better!

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Shift Levers - Before

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Shift Levers - Exploded

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Shift Levers - Polished

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Shift Levers - Installed

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Shift Levers - Installed

I was worried about the crank, it looked rough and I was not sure it would come back as far as I wanted.  i broke the crank down and polished all the small piece, the small pieces turned out great.  I then started on the big pieces.  It took a lot of time but the crank arms and rings really turned out nice.  Overall I am very happy with the crank considering where it started.  The crank looks fantastic with the new blue paint!

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Crank - Before

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Crank - Exploded

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Crank - Polished

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Crank - Complete
 The original bottom bracket was to far gone to use.  I replaced the bottom bracket with a modern cartridge style.  It works great with the crank and feels great spinning.  I think the modern bracket is a good touch for the Prelude.

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
New Modern Bottom Bracket

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Bottom Bracket - Installed

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Crank - Installed

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Crank - Installed

The derailleurs are very nice Suntour Cyclone.  They look rough but restored beautifully!  I wish I had a replacement decal for the rear derailleur.  The rear derailleur functions perfectly and looks great installed!  The front derailleur restored beautifully, after a good amount of flushing and lubricating the front derailleur is working well.  The front derailleur is still a little stiff, with a little more work it should loosen up perfectly.  If not i will replace the front derailleur but I don't think it will get to that.

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Rear Derailleur - Before

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Rear Derailleur - Before

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Rear Derailleur - Before

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Rear Derailleur - Exploded

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Rear Derailleur - Complete

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Rear Derailleur - Installed

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Front Derailleur - Before

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Front Derailleur - Before

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Front Derailleur - Complete

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Front Derailleur - Installed - Awesome!!
 That completes the main body components.

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Bicycle main body complete.

At this time installed the new brake lever hoods and wired the Prelude.  The brake lever hoods look great and of course I chose the dark ice gray cable housings to go with that blue!

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
New Brake Lever Hoods

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Brake Lever Hoods - Installed

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
New Cables

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Prelude Wired

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Prelude Wired

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Prelude Wired
The wheels where a little rough to start with.  I actually half restore the wheels a couple months back to test on another frame.  The wheels half restored okay but they need a total restoration.  I broke down the hubs and rims.  The spoke nipples where bad so I tossed them, the spokes are in great shape.  I am waiting on new spoke nipples to arrive.

I broke down the hubs and started working through the polishing grits.  The hubs polished just beautiful!  Better then the factory would have polished the hubs!  I love the look of a polished wheel hub!

I then worked through the axle pieces, I replaced a few washer spacers and the bearings.  Assembled the wheel hubs look absolutely fantastic!  Best of all the wheel hubs spin so smooth!

The wheel rims polished beautifully on the polishing wheels, I still need to take photos of the rims and lace the wheels when the spoke nipples get here, but so far so good!

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Wheel Hubs - Before

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Wheel Hubs Broken Down

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Wheel Rims - Before

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Wheel Rims - Before

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Rear Wheel Hub - Polished

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Rear Wheel Hub - Polished

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Rear Wheel Axle Pieces Ready

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Rear Wheel Hub - Complete

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Rear Wheel Hub - Complete

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Front Wheel Hub - Polished

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Front Wheel Hub - 
Polished

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Front Wheel Hub Axle Pieces Ready

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Front Wheel Hub - Complete

1986 Schwinn Prelude Restoration
Front Wheel Hub - Complete
Check back soon for the completion of the Prelude!


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