Recently got into working on my own bikes. Family friend brought his old bike from childhood asking me to restore his Schwinn Continental from early 70s.
Seems to be mostly original. it was kept in a shed for several decades and at one point it doubled as a chicken coop. So it looks rough but I think it still has potential. Just not sure where to start. Any advice would be appreciated.
I also just purchased a bike that's in nearly perfect condition to pull parts from. ideally I rather restore the originals if possible before resorting to the doner bike (seems like such a shame to take parts of the nearly perfect condition one) image in last photo.
Edit: I was able to remove some grossness and some polishing by simply rubbing wet aluminum foil on the bike. This gives me hope that it'll at least look decent when I'm done with it. Two short videos
https://imgur.com/a/chicken-rust-removing-foil-rub-vintage-bike-nUho9Xx
I appreciate everyone's input and warnings.
He brought the bike along with $300 check and offered more if I wanted. Will that cover all the cost and time… no it won't. But the money isn't the biggest concern as he's been a kind friend many times over.
It's sentimental to him. I'm a total amateur and don't know what I'm doing but I think I can at least make it rideable and looking decent enough with some patina for character.
All the bits that have bearings do indeed currently rotate. Chunky but nothing is seized so I do think there's hope.
I just don't know where to start and was simply looking for advice on that. I bought the orange one for $45 strictly to take components off if needed. It's an XL frame and won't really fit me or him. So I'll likely sell it when I'm done with it.
It's just in great condition seems like a shame to take parts off it. But I might have to and potentially restore it after.
by Jack-87