Tuesday, June 12, 2018

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - One of my favorite that Schwinn made!

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - After Restoration

This is Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior.  As many of you know I love the Superior and other Sport touring bicycles like it.  I think the bike industry should look a lot more at the sport touring style bike and a little less on race bikes.  Sport touring bicycles have a slightly more relaxed geometry for more comfort and longer rides  but still enough to still be fairly quick.  They are perfect for all day rides, brevets, randonneurs and weekend touring.  

Al's Superior is in good starting shape.  It has some dullness and general work needed to be done from being stored for a while but over all a great start.  The Superior will get a complete restoration along with new cables, cable housings, bearings, brake pads, tires, tire tubes, saddle and cloth handlebar tape.

I had a Schwinn Superior like this one some years back and sold it.  I regret selling it and miss that bike very much.  I can't wait to test ride Al's Superior when it is complete.       

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Handlebars

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Reflector

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Head Tube

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Front Brake

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Front Wheel Hub

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Front Wheel Rim

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Brake Lever

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Stem

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Head Tube

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Fork Crown

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Top Tube

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Shift Levers

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Down Tube

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Saddle

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Chicago Decal

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Seat Tube

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Bottom Bracket


Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Crank

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Front Deraileur

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Seat Binder

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Rear Brake Caliper

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Rear Derailleur

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Before
Rear Wheel Hub

I broke the Superior down tot he frame and got to cleaning and polishing.  It took a good deal of work to remove the bottom bracket.  The threads where caked thick with a red solid something.  It could have been Loctite or maybe an automobile grease that totally dried out.  I am not sure which one but I had to use a torch with a very small flame to heat the bearing cups and melt what the red stuff was.  I had to be very careful not to damage the paint.  Still not sure what the red stuff was.

With the frame broken down I can see the frame is in great shape other for some dirt and dullness.  The frame had very very few chips or scratches.  

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before
Head Tube

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before
Head Tube

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before
Head Tube

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before
Top Tube

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before
Down Tube

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before
Down Tube

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before
Seat Area

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before
Seat Tube

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before
Bottom Bracket

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before
Bottom Bracket

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before
Bottom Bracket

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before
Seat Stays

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before
Seat Stays

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before
Drop Outs

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before
Chain Stays

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before
Fork

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before
Fork Crown

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before
Fork Crown

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before
Fork Crown

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before
Fork Blades

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Before
Fork Chrome
I cleaned the frame and worked through the polishing grits.  The frame polished beautifully.  The paint has a deep shine that the camera doesn't pick up as well as I like. I am very happy with the results of the framing polishing. The Superior is my favorite color, black with chrome components.  

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Frame Polished
The headset and bottom bracket where in good shape.  I put the pieces through the crock pot for cleaning and then worked through the polishing wheels.  The pieces turned out very nice and installed look amazing.  Black and chrome!!  

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Headset & Bottom Bracket
Before
Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Headset & Bottom Bracket
Polished

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Pressing Headset Cups

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration -
Headset Cups Pressed

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bearings Packed

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Headset Complete

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Headset Complete

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Headset Complete

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bottom Bracket Complete

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bottom Bracket Complete

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Headset & Bottom Bracket
Complete
I carefully disassembled the handlebars, stem and brake elvers to keep the brake lever hoods as nice as possible.  It takes a long time to get that beautiful patina on the brake levers.  With everything broken down I gave everything a good cleaning and some time on the polishing wheels.  I am extremely happy with how everything polished.  I love this stuff!

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Handlebars & Cockpit
Before

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Stem & Handlebars
Before

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Handlebars
Before

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Stem BEfore

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Stem Exploded

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Brake LEvers
Before

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Stem Polished

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Stem Complete

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Handlebars Polished

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Stem & Handlebars
Compelte

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Stem & Handlebars Installed

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Stem & Handlebars Installed

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Stem & Handlebars Installed

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Stem & Handebars
Complete

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Brake Levers
Original Plastic Barrel Adjusters - Awful Plastic

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Replacement Alloy
Barrel Adjusters

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Brake Levers
Compete

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Brake Levers Installed

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Brake Levers Installed
I broke down the seat post and worked through the polishing wheels.  The saddle looks to me like a 1980's Schwinn saddle so we will replace that with something more era and bike appropriate.  Installed the seat post and seat binder look great installed!

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Saddle & Seat Post Before

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Seat Post Before

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Seat Binder Before

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Seat Post & Binder
Polished

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Seat Post Complete

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Seat Binder Complete

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Seat Post Complete
I like the center pull brakes from this era, they actually work well and restore beautifully.  These brake calipers where no exception!  New brake pads help with that braking power.

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Brake Calipers
Before

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Brake Calipers
Exploded View

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Brake Calipers
Polished

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Brake Calipers
Complete

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Front Brake Caliper Installed
The derailleurs where in okay starting shape.  Some good cleaning and good deal of work on the polishing wheels and the derailleurs are better then new!  I love how they look next to that polished black paint!

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Derailleurs Before

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Rear Derailleur Before

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Rear Derailleur Exploded View

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Rear Derailleur Polished

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Rear Derailleur Complete

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Rear Derailleur Installed

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Front Derailleur
Exploded View

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Front Derailleur Polished

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Front Derailleur Complete

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Front Derailleur Installed

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Derailleurs Installed

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Shift Levers Before

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Shift Levers Complete

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Shift Levers Installed
The Superior came with a beautiful Nervar French crank.  I broke the crank down and worked through the polishing wheels.  The crank polished like new!  I couldn't be happier with the results!

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Crank Before

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Crank Exploded

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Crank Polished

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Crank Compelte

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Crank Bolts & Dust Caps
Polished

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Crank Installed

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Crank Installed
I like the wheels on the Superior, they have descent hubs and rims.  I broke the wheel hubs down and removed all the old grease.  With the hubs cleaned I worked through the polishing.  The hubs and rims polished beautifully!! New Panracer Pro-Lite tires installed and the Superior will be ready for most riding surfaces.  I love how the wheels and tires look installed.

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Rear Wheel Before

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Rear Wheel Hub Before

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Rear Wheel Hub Before

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Rear Wheel Rim Before

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Rear Wheel Hub Old Grease

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Rear Wheel Hub Polished

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Rear Wheel Hub
Polished

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Rear Wheel Rim Polished

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Axle Pieces Ready

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Front Wheel Before

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Front Wheel Hub
BEfore

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Front Wheel Hub
Before

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Front Wheel Rim
Before

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Front Wheel Hub Old Grease

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Front Wheel Hub
Polished

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Front Wheel Rim
Polished

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Front Wheel Hub
Polished

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Rear Bearings Packed

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Front Bearings Packed

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Pie Plate Polished
Freewheel Cleaned & Lubricated

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Pie Plate & Freewheel
Installed

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Front Wheel Complete

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Front Wheel Complete

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Rear Wheel Complete

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Rear Wheel Complete

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Wheels Complete

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
New Panaracer Pro-Lite Tires & Tubes

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Front Tire Installed

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Rear Tire Installed

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Tires Installed
The replacement saddle is a Avocet Touring saddle found on eBay.  The saddle is in great conditition and looks great isntalled!

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Replacement
Avocet Saddle

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Replacement
Avocet Saddle

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Replacement
Avocet Saddle

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Saddle Installed

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Saddle Installed
Next was new cables and housings.  New cable housings will make all the difference!

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
New Housings & Cables

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Cables Installed

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Cables Installed

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Cables Installed

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Cables Installed
Next was the new cloth handlebar tape.  I love cloth handlebar tape and use it on one of my bikes.  I like the classic look and the feel.  The new cloth tape looks fantastic installed!

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - New Cloth Tape

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Cloth Tape Installed

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Cloth Tape Installed

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Cloth Tape Installed

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Cloth Tape Installed

I keep everything that comes of a bike and will not be used so I am happy I have these handlebar ends to replace a missing one.  Polished they look great and installed even better!

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Original Style Caps

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Original Style Caps
Polished

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Original Style Caps
Installed
Next was a good cleaning and lubricating of the chain.  I don't think this chain saw much use because it had zero stretch to it.
Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Chain Installed

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Chain Installed

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Chain Installed
The pedals are in better starting shape then most.  Pedals take a real beating so they are usually very rough.  Some flushing, lubricating and polishing and the pedals look and spin great!

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Pedals Before

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Pedals Before

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Pedals Polished

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration
Pedals Installed
That leaves the Superior almost complete.

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Pedals Installed

The completed Schwinn Superior rides like a dream.  So smooth, so easy.  The shifting has a good feel to it and the braking stops well.  It feels like once the bike is going it wants to go forever.  The best part of the Superior is its classic looks.  In my book you can't beat black and chrome!  Over all the Superior is like a sinister looking Linconl Continental from the 1960's.

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Handlebars

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Brake Lever

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Stem & Handlebars

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Head Tube

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Front Brake Caliper

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Front Wheel Hub

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Front Rim

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Stem

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Head Tube

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Front Wheel Hub

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Down Tube

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Saddle

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Seat Tube

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Drive Train

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Crank

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Front Derailleur

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Rear Derailleur

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Seat Stays

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Rear Brake Caliper

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Rear Wheel Hub 

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Rear Rim

Al's 1978 Schwinn Superior Restoration - Bicycle Complete