Friday, May 18, 2018

Joel's 1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Bicycle After

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Bicycle Before

This is a restoration of a 1980 Schwinn Continental II.  I like bicycles like this, first of all its a very good example to start with and second they did extremely well what they where designed to do.  Yes, they where heavy, but once you got that weight moving they gild like a Cadillac. They where extremely durable and last for ever with a little maintenance.  I wish today's bicycle makes good find a middle point between today's bicycles and these Schwinn's.

The Schwinn Continental was in a little bit of a rough shape to start but over all not to bad. They old decals are a little deceiving,  they are peeled a way but the remnants look like rust at first glance.  I think there is a beautiful bike under the years.

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Bicycle Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Bicycle Before
Head Tube

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Bicycle Before
Front Brake

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Bicycle Before
Fork Decal

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Bicycle Before
Front Wheel Hub

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Bicycle Before
Front Wheel Rim

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Bicycle Before
Stem

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Bicycle Before
Front Wheel Hub

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Bicycle Before
Top Tube Decal

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Bicycle Before
Down Tube Decal

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Bicycle Before
Seat Lug

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Bicycle Before
Chicago Decal

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Bicycle Before
Bottom Bracket

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Bicycle Before
Crank

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Bicycle Before
Front Derailleur

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Bicycle Before
Front Derailleur

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Bicycle Before
Rear Brake

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Bicycle Before
Generator

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Bicycle Before
Rear Derailleur

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Bicycle Before
Rear Wheel Hub

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Bicycle Before
Rear Wheel Rim
With the frame stripped of the components you can see a lot of dirt and dullness but really a gem under it all.
1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before
I worked through the cleaning and polishing grits to fine some beautiful paint!  I couldn't be happier with the frame polishing process!  The fork decals where removed. New fork decals where purchased but not installed, they will go with the Continental when it gets a new home.  I just like the all chrome fork to be featured.
1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Polished

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Polished

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Polished

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Polished

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Polished

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Polished

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Polished

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Polished

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Polished

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Polished

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Polished

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Polished

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Polished

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Polished

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Polished

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Polished

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Polished

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Polished

1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Polished
The Headset was next, very old and hard grease but everything cleaned nicely and polished beautifully!  I really like these Schwinn headset when they are polished, so beautiful.

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Headset Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Headset Polished

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Pressing Headset Cups

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Headset Cups Pressed

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Headset Bearings Packed

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Headset Complete

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Headset Complete

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Headset Complete

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Headset Complete
They handlebars and stem where next.  There is a lot going on on this cockpit arrangement with the reflector, lamp and brake levers.  The stem was removed just in time from the rust on it.  Polishing the stem and handlebars turned out amazing.  I love this stuff.

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Handlebars Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Stem & Handlebars Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Handlebars Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Stem Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Stem Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Stem Exploded

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Shift Levers Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Shift Levers Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Stem Polished

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Stem Complete

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Stem Complete

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Stem & Handlebars
Complete

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Handlebars Polished
I start on the wheels as I start everything else.  This is where the wheels where completed.  The bearings grease was nasty and everything else was a little rough and tarnished.  I worked through the polishing process and the wheels turned out perfect!  Just perfect!  I love this stuff!

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Front Wheel Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Front Wheel Hub
Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Front Wheel Hub Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Front Wheel Rim Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Rear Wheel Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Rear Wheel Hub Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Rear Wheel Hub Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Rear Wheel Rim Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Free WHeel & Pie Plate
Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Front Wheel Hub
Old Grease

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Rear Wheel Hub
Old Grease

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Front Wheel Hub
Polished

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Front Wheel Hub
Polished

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Front Wheel Bearings
Packed

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Rear Wheel Hub
Polished

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Rear Wheel Bearings
Packed

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Axle Pieces Ready

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Front Wheel Complete

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Rear Wheel Complete

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Rear Wheel Complete
The shift levers where a little gritty.  After a good cleaning, polishing and lubricating the shift levers look fantastic and function perfect.

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Shift Levers
Exploded View

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Shift Levers Polished

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Shift Levers Complete
I love these gold trimmed brake levers.  They restore beautifully and the gold just adds something.  These brake levers where no exception!!

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Brake Levers Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Brake Levers Polished

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Brake Levers Polished
From this era I will take center pull brakes every time unless they are Dura Ace, I will take the Dura Ace.  I have like the Wienman calipers a lot.  With some work they restore so nice.  They brake calipers restored like new.  I love this stuff!

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Brake Calipers Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Brake Calipers
Exploded View

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Brake Levers
Polished

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Brake Levers
Complete
The big solar panel reflectors have a look all to their own.  These reflectors came back beautiful and look great installed!

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Reflectors
Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Reflectors Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Reflectors
Polished

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Refectors
Complete

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Seat Binder
Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Seat Bimder
Polished
I have been using the Google photo app and still learning it some.  Photos are in a little off order but the truth is its kind of the order I work in and just take photos at times of what I like.  I like these photos with the shift levers installed very much.  All that shine!

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Shift Levers Complete

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Shift Levers Complete

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Brake Levers Complete

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Brake Levers Compete

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Seat Binder Complete

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Reflector Installed

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Just a good photo!

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Front Brake Caliper Installed

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Rear Brake Caliper Complete

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Rear Brake Caliper Complete
I went back and fourth a lot deciding on brake cable housing color.  In the end it could only be metallic gold braid housings. It looks amazing with the metallic blue.

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
New Cables & Gold Housings

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Cables Complete

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Cables Complete

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Cables Complete

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Cables Complete

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Cables Complete
The crank was in ok shape to start.  A good cleaning and some time on the polishing wheel and it is like new.  Installed it looks even better!

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Crank Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Crank Exploded

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Crank Polished

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Crank Complete

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bottom Bracket
Polished

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Pressing Bottom Bracket
Cups

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bottom Bracket Cups
Pressed

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Crank Complete

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Bottom Bracket Complete

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Crank Complete
Classic Schwinn derailleur made in France.  Took a good amount of cleaning, polishing and lubricating but in the end the derailleurs are beautiful and work perfectly!  I really do love this stuff.

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Front Derailleur
Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Front Derailleur
Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Front Derailleur Exploded

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Front Derailleur
Polished

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Front Derailleur
Complete

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Front Derailleur
Complete

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Front Derailleur
Complete

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Rear Derailleur Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Rear Derailleur Before

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Rear Derailleur Exploded

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Rear Derailleur Polished

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Rear Derailleur Complete

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Rear Derailleur Complete

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Rear Derailleur Complete

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Front Derailleur Installed

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Front Derailleur Installed

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Rear Derailleur Complete
A little cleaning, flushing and lubricating and the freewheel spins perfect.  The pie plate doesn't look to bad either!

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Freewheel & Pie Plate Complete

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Freewheel Installed

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Chain Installed - Before Adjustments

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Drive Train Complete
New Kenda tires where installed instead of the knobby tires.  They look great installed.

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
New Kenda Tires
Joel found two original Schwinn saddles for the Continental II. Combining both and we have an amazing saddle.  It looks great installed.

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Original Schwinn Saddle

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
New Tires & Original Schwinn Saddle Complete
Some work and lubricating and the pedals are one of the better sets of pedals I have seen that where not NOS.

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Pedals After
Ritchey classic handebar tape in black is the only choice for the Continental II.

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
New Ritchey Handlebar Tape
The Continental received new decals with a slight hiccup in the process but they look great now.  The fork decal will also go with the Continental.  The Continental also has the original generator and head lamp to go with the bike, I just like it with out it. 

The Continental looks amazing.  It is really hard to beat all the shine, metallic blue with the metallic gold.  The Kenda tan walls with the handlebar tape and saddle are perfect.  

Like I said, these bikes ride like Cadillacs and this Continental is no exception!!  It just glides down the road.  With its easy geometry you can ride the Continental all day with out loosing comfort.  These bicycles do exactly what they where meant to very well!
  
   
1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Handlebars

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Head Tube

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Head Tube

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Front Brake Caliper

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Front Wheel Hub

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Front Wheel Rim

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Stem

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Head Tube

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Fork Crown

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
New Top Tube Decal

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
NEw Down Tube Decal

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Saddle

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
New Decals

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Bottom Bracket

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Drive Train

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Crank

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Front Derailleur

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Front Derailleur

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Seat Binder

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Rear Brake Caliper

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Rear Derailleur

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Rear Wheel Hub

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Rear Wheel Rim

1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Thank you
John Z.