1946 Schwinn Continental

 Here is a a recent re-build: a classic 1946 Schwinn Continental three speed. 

 

This project started as a incomplete bike that was still in nice condition. I worked off-and-on for about two months on the tear down and rebuild. I tend to work slowly in the winter, only spending a couple hours per week.

Before:

 

 After:

 

This style of Continental is not to be confused with the later, 10-speed Continentals of the 1960s and 70s. These early 1940s-50s Continentals were hand-built (fillet brazed) from cro-moly steel. The bike is lighter than a typical, welded steel Schwinn frame, but overall the weight savings is not huge. The biggest rider-changer is the lighter, S6 stainless rims versus the usual welded chrome S6.

 

 We're still at the tail end of winter here, which means the bike is stowed away until riding season finally arrives. I have to do some final tweaking to brake pad positions, handle bar position, and seat position. These are items for a "shakedown" ride.

 

1946 Schwinn Continental

Specs:

• Frame: 22 inches bottom bracket to seat tube top. 
• Tubing: Cro-mo fillet brazed. 
• Fenders: Schwinn stainless steel. Front is low-profile pattern.
  
• Rims: 26 inch S6 (597mm) endrick. Schwinn S6 stainless rims (36 hole).
• Hubs: undated Sturmey Archer AW three speed rear, Schwinn aluminum alloy front.
• Shifter: 1940s Sturmey Archer quadrant.
  
• Spokes: Torrington Co. galvanized double-butted. 
• Gearing: stock 46-tooth Schwinn front, 22-tooth Vuelta cog rear.
• Pedals: MKS 3000S 1/2 inch spindle.
  
• Brakes: Schwinn steel calipers and brake levers.
• Saddle: Gyes three-spring leather tourist.
• Bag: Acorn canvas "small" saddlebag.
• Lights: Kiley front, Soma bullet rear. Both LED.
• Stem and bars: Tall Schwinn razorback stem, Schwinn tourist steel bars.