I just got an old Schwinn. What should I do to make it rideable again? Also, how can I identify the year and model?
To make the bike rideable again, replace:
tires
tubes
cables
brake pads
Clean and regrease the bearings in:
Front Hub
Rear Hub:
Bendix
Sturmey-Archer
Model AW
Model S3C
Model S3C Bulletin A
Model S3C Bulletin B
Mark IV
Derailleur
Quick Release Rear Hub
Lay the bike on its side, and drip some oil into the freewheel. This is all it needs. Oil the pedal bearings.
Clean and oil the chain, shifters, and derailleurs.
Have the wheels trued if needed.
Online bike repair:
http://www.parktool.com/repair/
Kickstand removal and other tips by Mark Smith:
http://www.bunchobikes.com/repairindex.htm
You can buy used parts on
http://www.ebay.com
Paint for 1940's - 1950's Schwinns:
http://www.restoreclassicbicycles.com/classics/paint/paint%20set%20intro.html
Paint for 60's – 70's Schwinns:
http://www.hyper-formance.com/paints.htm
How to find the serial number, year, and model:
http://www.trfindley.com/pg_schwinn_cats.htm
How to ship a bike:
http://www.trfindley.com/pg_bike_ship.html