A Spitfire Of My Own
Most people who know me know that I am very fond of RAF aircraft of the Second World War, and in particular the Supermarine Spitfire. All marks of this aircraft are simply beautiful, if you happen to find fighter planes that way. My love for the Spitfire runs deep, and it is a dream to build as many of the different versions as possible in 1/72 (or thereabouts). In my mind, there have been few aircraft built that match the sheer grace of Reginald Mitchell's design.
Well, last week, I landed a full size Spitfire, except that this wasn't an "aeroplane". This Spitfire is a bicycle.
My new Spitfire is a Schwinn, manufactured in April 1978 (the serial number on the frame indicates this with a "DP" proceeding the digits; D = April and P = the 14th year from when Schwinn changed their numbering system beginning with 1965). This is a cruiser bike, and weighs in at a hefty 20+ kg.
The bike was being tossed by one of our neighbors, and looked very pathetic, yet somehow that frame, which just screams "Chicago Schwinn", looked to be in great shape.
Fifteen hours of work; removed rust from wheels, rims and handlebar. Reworked chains. New coat of silver paint for same. New Schwinn handlebar grips. Attached a new Bell basket. In the end, the bike looks pretty decent.
It rides great after a little lubrication. I did, however, decide to keep the red color that had been so sloppily applied perhaps more than two decades ago on most of the frame. Wasn't easy, mind you; I had to carefully work a wire brush and paint remover (okay, carburetor and choke cleaner) on to some of the overpainted chromed components (the fork crown, the fork bearings and nut). It looks a little unusual to say the least, especially since I also repainted the head badge in something close to original Schwinn condition (the black ran in a couple of spots during sealing, but I chose again to leave it). Final product; a nice cruising bike.
Being as I tend to name those things I consider important in my life, so it is with this one. What name did I choose?
Spitfire.
Well, last week, I landed a full size Spitfire, except that this wasn't an "aeroplane". This Spitfire is a bicycle.
My new Spitfire is a Schwinn, manufactured in April 1978 (the serial number on the frame indicates this with a "DP" proceeding the digits; D = April and P = the 14th year from when Schwinn changed their numbering system beginning with 1965). This is a cruiser bike, and weighs in at a hefty 20+ kg.
The bike was being tossed by one of our neighbors, and looked very pathetic, yet somehow that frame, which just screams "Chicago Schwinn", looked to be in great shape.
Fifteen hours of work; removed rust from wheels, rims and handlebar. Reworked chains. New coat of silver paint for same. New Schwinn handlebar grips. Attached a new Bell basket. In the end, the bike looks pretty decent.
It rides great after a little lubrication. I did, however, decide to keep the red color that had been so sloppily applied perhaps more than two decades ago on most of the frame. Wasn't easy, mind you; I had to carefully work a wire brush and paint remover (okay, carburetor and choke cleaner) on to some of the overpainted chromed components (the fork crown, the fork bearings and nut). It looks a little unusual to say the least, especially since I also repainted the head badge in something close to original Schwinn condition (the black ran in a couple of spots during sealing, but I chose again to leave it). Final product; a nice cruising bike.Being as I tend to name those things I consider important in my life, so it is with this one. What name did I choose?
Spitfire.
posted by Robert at 6:12 PM
1 comments
