Tonight involved a test fit of the rear wheel I built for the MS bicycle. I am leaving the original wheels alone, and building my own as riders.
These wheels are Sun CR18 polished aluminum rims in the ISO 590mm (English 26 x 1-3/8) size. The rim in the picture is finger print smudged, but it is polished on the top. There is a wider variety of tires available for that size than the Schwinn (ISO 597mm) size.
I decided to go with the Schwalbe Delta Cruiser creme tires to match the accent paint on the bike. It goes nicely with the red. Also, I slipped rubber spacers between the fender and fender bridge to cut down on rattle and creak while riding. Modern hardware with a lock washer prevents the fender stay screw from loosening through vibration.
The hub is a Sturmey Archer 3 speed coaster brake with an alloy shell. Spokes are DT Swiss straight gauge stainless. It's basically an old style English 3 speed type wheel, but with modern parts and a coaster brake. The concept is to keep the best of the old and combine it with new materials and parts in creating a nice wheel.
These wheels should have plenty of comfort with the Schwalbe tires, but should have a little extra kick on the downhill using that high 3rd gear of the Sturmey Archer hub.