'78 Schwinn Caliente rebuild

[Citgo]

Recently received this bike from the parents since I moved into the city. I tried to take it to a local bike shop but they said it was better to just buy a new bike instead of trying to update.

Sorry to sound repetitive but I am new to bicycling and have no idea what I am doing. I am willing to learn and I have patience. Yes, I understand that I could more than likely get a bike on Craigslist in running order for the same price for what I'm going to put into this project. I want to be able to ride something that I have built up with my own hands. Anyways onto the bike.

As I said its a 1978 Schwinn Caliente, right now it is just a frame (which has minor surface rust on) with all the parts in little baggies labeled what I think they are. I know it needs tires, shift and brake cables and a rear derailleur. The rear derailleur that was on it is a Shimano Positron II and needs to be either replaced or cleaned of the rust and grime. The crankset has a slight wobble. I'm sure I will be slapping some new brakes on there also.

I guess my questions are what parts should i be on the look out for and what should I work on next after I have the frame cleaned up? If anybody has any suggestions on what I should do next or what parts I should be on the look out for, I am all ears. Thank you for reading.

(in process of taking pictures of things for all to see)
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[elmore leonard]

If I was doing it I would just replace the bearings that are bad and reuse all the original parts. The first step after you clean all the parts would be for to reinstall the bottom bracket and chain ring. Then installed the front forks and head set. 

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If I was doing it I would just replace the bearings that are bad and reuse all the original parts. The first step after you clean all the parts would be for to reinstall the bottom bracket and chain ring. Then installed the front forks and head set. 

[Citgo]

(08-05-2015, 11:36 PM)elmore leonard Wrote:  If I was doing it I would just replace the bearings that are bad and reuse all the original parts. The first step after you clean all the parts would be for to reinstall the bottom bracket and chain ring. Then installed the front forks and head set. 

---

If I was doing it I would just replace the bearings that are bad and reuse all the original parts. The first step after you clean all the parts would be for to reinstall the bottom bracket and chain ring. Then installed the front forks and head set. 

Where abouts would I get the replacement bearings? And any tips on cleaning all the parts I've read kerosene is good.

[DaveM]

This was a pretty low end bike and will need a little work to get it back together. But it's a good project and I doubt you'll have any big issues. Paying a shop wouldn't be worth the cost as labor is expensive.

It has a fairly rare system where the ratchet that allows you to coast without the pedals turning is in the front crankset instead of the rear. Also the positron system is very rare and uses different parts than most bikes. Do you still have the original shifters and shifter cables? If not, it will be hard to replace and you would also need a new derailleur. If you don't have everything to put the gear system back together, you might consider just making it a single speed bike. Easy and simple. Maybe a little tough if you live in a hilly area. Might not be a bad idea even if you do have the parts. The old positron systems are hard to get working well even when everything's fine.

Everything else looks fine unless the wheels are bent or have bearing damage.
Get some tires, cables, brake pads, bar tape, and a few basic tools. Clean out the wheel bearings if you can. Put it together and ride it. It'll be a good learning project, you should end up with something fairly solid, but ok to leave locked somewhere.

[Citgo]

(08-06-2015, 06:21 AM)DaveM Wrote:  This was a pretty low end bike and will need a little work to get it back together. But it's a good project and I doubt you'll have any big issues. Paying a shop wouldn't be worth the cost as labor is expensive.

It has a fairly rare system where the ratchet that allows you to coast without the pedals turning is in the front crankset instead of the rear. Also the positron system is very rare and uses different parts than most bikes. Do you still have the original shifters and shifter cables? If not, it will be hard to replace and you would also need a new derailleur. If you don't have everything to put the gear system back together, you might consider just making it a single speed bike. Easy and simple. Maybe a little tough if you live in a hilly area. Might not be a bad idea even if you do have the parts. The old positron systems are hard to get working well even when everything's fine.

Everything else looks fine unless the wheels are bent or have bearing damage.
Get some tires, cables, brake pads, bar tape, and a few basic tools. Clean out the wheel bearings if you can. Put it together and ride it. It'll be a good learning project, you should end up with something fairly solid, but ok to leave locked somewhere.

I do have the original shifters and shifter cables but the cables need replaced as one shifter cable was broken. Also a brake cable that I had on the trip was broken also.

[elmore leonard]

(08-06-2015, 12:16 AM)Citgo Wrote:  

(08-05-2015, 11:36 PM)elmore leonard Wrote:  If I was doing it I would just replace the bearings that are bad and reuse all the original parts. The first step after you clean all the parts would be for to reinstall the bottom bracket and chain ring. Then installed the front forks and head set. 

---

If I was doing it I would just replace the bearings that are bad and reuse all the original parts. The first step after you clean all the parts would be for to reinstall the bottom bracket and chain ring. Then installed the front forks and head set. 

Where abouts would I get the replacement bearings? And any tips on cleaning all the parts I've read kerosene is good.

[quote pid='33712' dateline='1438834611']
Kerosene is the best. You can get bearing at any full service bike shop. They sell complete headset kits, bearing, race and all for around $12. Take your forks with you so you get the right ones. In fact take what ever parts you need or want to check to see if they need replacing or updating to the bike shop and from my experience you will get all the help you need.
[/quote]

[nfmisso]

Replace the shifters and rear derailleur.  A Shimano Tourney TX55 with hanger:
http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-Tourney-TX55-Derailleur-Hanger/dp/B004JKER5Q/ref=sr_1_13?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1438887491&sr=1-13&keywords=rear+derailleur+hanger

pick: W/RIVET ADAPTER - ROAD TYPE under Size.

Is good functional rear derailleur for your bike.

First thing I would do is tear down the hubs for inspection of the bearing cups.  If the cups (integral with the hubs) are good, rebuild with new balls (measure the sizes of the old balls front and rear will be different sizes) (you can order from Amazon, bike shop, bearing supply, many options - grade 25 is fine); new grease (I use boat trailer wheel bearing grease from Walmart) lots of grease, wipe of excess after everything is back together.    Cups - a shiny wear track is to be expected, pitting in or near the wear track means new hubs - cheaper to purchase whole wheels than hubs.  If you running into pitted cups, post pictures for a second opinion.  I hate the noise pitting causes.

[Citgo]

(08-06-2015, 03:05 PM)nfmisso Wrote:  Replace the shifters and rear derailleur.  A Shimano Tourney TX55 with hanger:
http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-Tourney-TX55-Derailleur-Hanger/dp/B004JKER5Q/ref=sr_1_13?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1438887491&sr=1-13&keywords=rear+derailleur+hanger

pick: W/RIVET ADAPTER - ROAD TYPE under Size.

Is good functional rear derailleur for your bike.

First thing I would do is tear down the hubs for inspection of the bearing cups.  If the cups (integral with the hubs) are good, rebuild with new balls (measure the sizes of the old balls front and rear will be different sizes) (you can order from Amazon, bike shop, bearing supply, many options - grade 25 is fine); new grease (I use boat trailer wheel bearing grease from Walmart) lots of grease, wipe of excess after everything is back together.    Cups - a shiny wear track is to be expected, pitting in or near the wear track means new hubs - cheaper to purchase whole wheels than hubs.  If you running into pitted cups, post pictures for a second opinion.  I hate the noise pitting causes.

There is no longer an option when buying that rear derailleur that says with rivet adapter. Is this still going to work if I order it now? Also is this the right chain (KMC-7-8sp-chain-Silver-Brown) that I would need for this setup it is the one recommended on th Amazon page? I ordered new cables to replace on the bike also they should be coming in shortly. Almost done cleaning up the frame and going to paint it soon. I don't have a tool to measure the bearings as you said I should so I don't really know what to do about that other than just clean them and re-grease it. I'll send pictures when I'm done with the frame and what not. Sorry this is a slow project but I will update when I can.

Thanks for far for all the advice and comments been a great help it is much appreciated.

[nfmisso]

http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-Tourney-TX55-Derailleur-Hanger/dp/B004JKER5Q/ref=sr_1_13?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1439171525&sr=1-13&keywords=rear+derailleur+hanger

If the title says " Shimano Tourney TX55 6/7 spd Rear Derailleur w/ Hanger "  the "with Hanger" is the important part - you are okay.

Purchase some calipers, they are often on sale at HF for $10- 
http://www.harborfreight.com/6-inch-digital-caliper-47257.html 
watch the ads for them.

Chain - any KMC 8 speed or 7/8 speed will work fine.  

[Citgo]

Hey guys.
Thanks for all the help, it has been much appreciated. I am close to finishing up my bike just hit a few hiccups along the way. (and the wife has asked me to help revamp her bike)

Here is a picture of the bike now as it is.




The Rear Derailleur works perfectly. The problem I am having is with the front derailleur now. When I was putting the bike back together every time I would shift gears the whole derailleur would move down. I noticed that the bolt was threaded wrong and I need to order a whole new one. I got online and ordered a new one but it was the wrong configuration. (looked like it would work on my Mountain bike but not on my Schwinn) I am thinking of ordering this one but I am just checking here first before I waste my money and time to see if you guys will think it will work. Thanks again for all the help and I'll be waiting for an answer.

http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-FD-TX50-Derailleur-34-9-28-6-mm-Low-Clamp/dp/B0063R0ZUO/ref=pd_bxgy_468_img_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=1J2Y6M3BR1NJ4MT43EF9

[nfmisso]

Carefully measure the diameter of your seat tube where the derailleur is located.  The FD needs to clamp tightly on the tube.  You may have to make a shim - a piece of an aluminum soda can might do it.