Arnold, Schwinn & Co. Three-Piece Cranks

 

 

 

I spent some time this weekend cleaning up these Schwinn 3-piece cranks. These cranks were used both before and after WWII on some of the mid-range and premium Schwinn 3-speed models. They are attractive pieces, though they take 1/2 inch pedal spindles, which makes finding high-quality pedals a bit tricky to find. I like the MKS 3000S 1/2 spindle pedals on these cranks.

These examples show the range of conditions in which one finds these pieces. Although both sets seem to have pretty low mileage, based on the condition of the teeth, the cosmetic condition of one set is pretty worn, while the other is quite clean. Neither is perfect, but they show up in quite a range of conditions.

The methods for addressing the surface rust on the better piece vary from what one would use on the rough set. 

On the nice one (on the right), WD40 and a metal hand brush work just fine. The rust is not especially deep and is not terribly widespread. Keeping the plating in decent shape is a major concern.

The rough one (on the left) needed a tougher treatment. This meant a wire wheel on the bench grinder, wire wheel on a drill press, and a Dremel with wire wheel for the hard-to-reach areas. This is a doable course because there is so little plating left on most of these areas. The chainring, where there still is some plating, was no subjected to the high-speed wire wheel on the bench grinder. I started that area with the drill press wheel and then worked to the Dremel.

They're both interesting and unusual pieces for some classic Schwinn bikes.