Just got this from the garage sale across the street. 11/11/23 located Amarillo Tx. Can’t wait to start the restoration. Using the serial number it is a 1951 Schwinn Black Phantom. Any advise on how to properly restore the chrome? If I find I’m not capable it will go to a professional. Thanks.
by Dang_Lin-Wang
13 Comments
I would not restore it. I’d clean, grease and replace anything broken. It is only going to be in original, unrestored condition once.
Go [here](https://thecabe.com/forum/). They have answers to all your questions.
They will be jealous of your awesome find!
Best of luck.
Last time I saw this bike it was in the basement of the Alamo 🥹
This was the Rolls Royce of kids’ bikes back then. If your parents bought this for you it was like winning the lottery. What makes this find special is that it looks like it has all the original parts which too often are missing. This should definitely not be refinished. Some of the rust will come off of the chrome. There must be a way to clean the frame and treat it to keep the rust from spreading. These are heavy bikes but they ride great. Take it apart, clean and install new bearings and grease and you’ll see.
Wow. Beautiful.
In the mid 1990’s, Schwinn produced replica Phantoms.
Let me clarify by restoration… I meant properly clean and deal with rust issues. I am absolutely not going to make like new. I love the patina, but I do want the chrome cleaned.
Looks very cool
Keep an eye out for Large Marge
0000 steel wool will clean up chrome without scratching it
0000 steel wool. Could also use a wire brush with brass bristles to avoid deeper scratching. The chrome on these chicago made Schwinns was legendary. A lot of the time it will clean up very nicely with some elbow grease. Awesome score.
Was always seeing cool vintage bikes at estate sales when we lived there. Nice score.
Jealous, very cool..remove rust with crumpled foil , & water, elbow grease. Good luck.