Have questions or want to discuss cycling? Join Now or Sign In to participate in the BikeRide community.

New: Take Part in the May's Giveaway: Win the LIVALL PikaBoost 2 E-bike Conversion Kit


Schwinn Varsity Newbie Restoration
#1
Hello, I want to get started fixing up a 1973 Schwinn Varsity basically for the heck of it. Thought fun to use on pub nite rides. Very much a newbie. Was planning on taking apart and cleaning. Would like to repaint frame. This is not going to be a collectors item. A place near me will strip the paint and powder coat. Concerned about decals. Can I just use vinyle peal and stick or is that a bad idea? Thanks in advance.
  Reply
#2
(08-21-2012, 03:23 PM)dochoot Wrote:  Hello, I want to get started fixing up a 1973 Schwinn Varsity basically for the heck of it. Thought fun to use on pub nite rides. Very much a newbie. Was planning on taking apart and cleaning. Would like to repaint frame. This is not going to be a collectors item. A place near me will strip the paint and powder coat. Concerned about decals. Can I just use vinyle peal and stick or is that a bad idea? Thanks in advance.

Carefully consider the cost of a qualitystrip or sandblast and powdercoat of the bike's frame and whether there is any underlying value to the bike and its mission to justify the cost. In my city I hear $200 to $300 for what is probably mediocre quality. You should be able to find decals on ebay, eventually. Clear coat over them.
  Reply
#3
Make sure that you plug/mask all the critical holes and surfaces. It is VERY VERY difficult clean out powder coat from surfaces that must be bare. Many a bike restorer has had to either give up on making the frame into a bike or spent 2½X planned amount on strippin the brand new powder coat off, properly plugging and masking and re-powder coating. Use a shop that has satisified bike customers for powder coating, they are worth the extra $$.
Nigel
  Reply
#4
Thanks for tips. Will check to see how experienced they are.
  Reply
#5
[attachment=3442]test post pic
  Reply


Possibly Related Threads...
Thread
Author
Replies
Views
Last Post
 
5,118
10-30-2020, 02:07 PM
Last Post: Jesper
 
7,531
08-20-2016, 01:27 AM
Last Post: adman2001
 
14,027
12-31-2015, 12:36 PM
Last Post: GeorgeET
 
13,827
01-06-2013, 01:50 PM
Last Post: JoeFaz
 
24,269
08-21-2012, 06:58 PM
Last Post: Bill
 
24,940
06-05-2011, 01:33 PM
Last Post: Half a Load
 
13,336
05-01-2011, 11:16 PM
Last Post: Myosmith
 
9,043
04-11-2011, 11:29 AM
Last Post: cyclerUK

Forum Jump:

[-]
10 Latest Posts
The great thing about trikes
Today 10:32 AM
What was your first bicycle?
Yesterday 06:25 PM
Where are you from and What is your favo...
Yesterday 06:22 PM
Effective Breathing Method I use to go u...
06-01-2025 11:50 PM
"There's been better times
06-01-2025 10:48 AM
Attack // Force tire style narrow front ...
06-01-2025 12:47 AM
First long distance ride..
05-31-2025 10:33 PM
Is anyone riding with music?
05-31-2025 10:12 PM
Great Giro
05-31-2025 09:57 PM
Rusty chain inspite of cleaning,lubing
05-31-2025 09:54 PM

[-]
Join BikeRide on Strava
Feel free to join if you are on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/bikeridecom

[-]
Top 5 Posters This Month
no avatar 1. Criminal
18 posts
no avatar 2. GirishH
17 posts
no avatar 3. Flowrider
16 posts
no avatar 4. rydabent
13 posts
no avatar 5. SPINMAN
12 posts