I was working on my 1952 schwinn traveler this past weekend and need some advice. I changed the brake cables, cleaned the calipers, oiled the cable housing and the rear brake still sticks. I'm thinking about just replacing the caliper, possibly with something similar to what's there, ye olde english sidepulls. I've also thought about just updating it a bit and get some higher quality sidepulls. I have a j.c. higgins 3 speed of the same vintage with some very nice weinamnn alloy sidepulls. Any better ideas?
The chromed wheels are in very nice shape except they both have a nasty ding in them that you can definately feel when you squeeze the brakes. Anyone have a good way to get rid of these dings? I know the local tire shop has a hand tool to straighten car rims, I've been tempted to take a wheel out there and see what they can do with it.
I've decided to make it a pseudo clubman. It looks great, especially with "winged" decals, it actually looks alot older. When I cleaned the chain for the first time I noticed that it has a "master" link. Everything on the bike appears to be original including the chain. Does anyone know when "master" links were first introduced? I guess it just goes to show there are no new ideas.
The bike came with a generator light set, which I don't know if it was stock but it definately is from that period. The brand is Melas and made in germany. The generator is fork front mount, the headlight is stem mounted and of course there is a taillight. The headlight is chrome while it appears the taillight is alloy. Unfortunately the inards are missing from the tailight but I may be able to rig something. Anyone ever hear of this brand before? and anyone have any parts for this brand? It appears that the generator is broken as there is no switch to engage it. Although I'm considering using a dyno hub instead. An yone have anyone for trade or for sale? preferably 36 hole or a complete wheel would be nice as well.
marc garcia
chicago