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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Bicycle After |
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| 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.
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II - Bicycle Before |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II - Bicycle Before
Head Tube |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II - Bicycle Before
Front Brake |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II - Bicycle Before
Fork Decal |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II - Bicycle Before
Front Wheel Hub |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II - Bicycle Before
Front Wheel Rim |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II - Bicycle Before
Stem |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II - Bicycle Before
Front Wheel Hub |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II - Bicycle Before
Top Tube Decal |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II - Bicycle Before
Down Tube Decal |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II - Bicycle Before
Seat Lug |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II - Bicycle Before
Chicago Decal |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II - Bicycle Before
Bottom Bracket |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II - Bicycle Before
Crank |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II - Bicycle Before
Front Derailleur |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II - Bicycle Before
Front Derailleur |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II - Bicycle Before
Rear Brake |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II - Bicycle Before
Generator |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II - Bicycle Before
Rear Derailleur |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II - Bicycle Before
Rear Wheel Hub |
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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.
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Before |
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| 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.
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Polished |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Polished |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Polished |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Polished |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Polished |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Polished |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Polished |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Polished |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Polished |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Polished |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Polished |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Polished |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Polished |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Polished |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Polished |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Polished |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Polished |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II - Frame Polished |
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| 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.
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Headset Before |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Headset Polished |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Pressing Headset Cups |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Headset Cups Pressed |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Headset Bearings Packed |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Headset Complete |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Headset Complete |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Headset Complete |
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| 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.
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Handlebars Before |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Stem & Handlebars Before |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Handlebars Before |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Stem Before |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Stem Before |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Stem Exploded |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Shift Levers Before |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Shift Levers Before |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Stem Polished |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Stem Complete |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Stem Complete |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Stem & Handlebars
Complete |
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| 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!
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Front Wheel Before |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Front Wheel Hub
Before |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Front Wheel Hub Before |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Front Wheel Rim Before |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Rear Wheel Before |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Rear Wheel Hub Before |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Rear Wheel Hub Before |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Rear Wheel Rim Before |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Free WHeel & Pie Plate
Before |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Front Wheel Hub
Old Grease |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Rear Wheel Hub
Old Grease |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Front Wheel Hub
Polished |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Front Wheel Hub
Polished |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Front Wheel Bearings
Packed |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Rear Wheel Hub
Polished |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Rear Wheel Bearings
Packed |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Axle Pieces Ready |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Front Wheel Complete |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Rear Wheel Complete |
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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.
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Shift Levers
Exploded View |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Shift Levers Polished |
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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!!
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Brake Levers Before |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Brake Levers Polished |
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| 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!
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Brake Calipers Before |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Brake Calipers
Exploded View |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Brake Levers
Polished |
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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!
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Reflectors
Before |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Reflectors Before |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Reflectors
Polished |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Refectors
Complete |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Seat Binder
Before |
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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!
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Shift Levers Complete |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Shift Levers Complete |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Brake Levers Complete |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Brake Levers Compete |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Seat Binder Complete |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Reflector Installed |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Just a good photo! |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Front Brake Caliper Installed |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Rear Brake Caliper Complete |
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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.
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
New Cables & Gold Housings |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Cables Complete |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Cables Complete |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Cables Complete |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Cables Complete |
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| 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!
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Crank Before |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Crank Exploded |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Crank Polished |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Crank Complete |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bottom Bracket
Polished |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Pressing Bottom Bracket
Cups |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bottom Bracket Cups
Pressed |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Crank Complete |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Bottom Bracket Complete |
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| 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.
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Front Derailleur
Before |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Front Derailleur
Before |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Front Derailleur Exploded |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Front Derailleur
Polished |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Front Derailleur
Complete |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Front Derailleur
Complete |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Front Derailleur
Complete |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Rear Derailleur Before |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Rear Derailleur Before |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Rear Derailleur Exploded |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Rear Derailleur Polished |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Rear Derailleur Complete |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Rear Derailleur Complete |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Rear Derailleur Complete |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Front Derailleur Installed |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Front Derailleur Installed |
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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!
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Freewheel & Pie Plate Complete |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Freewheel Installed |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Chain Installed - Before Adjustments |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Drive Train Complete |
New Kenda tires where installed instead of the knobby tires. They look great installed.
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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.
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Original Schwinn Saddle |
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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.
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration
Pedals After |
Ritchey classic handebar tape in black is the only choice for the Continental II.
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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!
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Handlebars |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Head Tube |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Head Tube |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Front Brake Caliper |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Front Wheel Hub |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Front Wheel Rim |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Stem |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Head Tube |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Fork Crown |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
New Top Tube Decal |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
NEw Down Tube Decal |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Saddle |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
New Decals |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Bottom Bracket |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Drive Train |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Crank |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Front Derailleur |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Front Derailleur |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Seat Binder |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Rear Brake Caliper |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Rear Derailleur |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Rear Wheel Hub |
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1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Rear Wheel Rim |
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| 1980 Schwinn Continental II Restoration - Bicycle Complete |
Thank you
John Z.
I was just doing some quick research, I don't even really ride. But this is beautiful work, incredibly detailed and well documented. If you don't already, you should have an instagram page to document this work. I'm sure there would be a huge audience to appreciate the craftsmanship.
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