Rusty Schwinn Klunker Build

[@gregkellow4723]

So cool. I remember when I was a kid, Henry the junk man used to save old bikes like that for us. We used to build wild chopper bikes with extended forks, big/little tires and wild homemade sissy bars.

[@oldshovel]

Awesome awesome awesomeness 🙌

[@BPlus-oz7cm]

Junkman Henry and the Land of Misfit Bikes!!!

[@realSTYLISHx]

Do you have any pictures or are they all memories ?

[@gregkellow4723]

@@realSTYLISHx Sorry, just 40 year old memories. Cameras were a luxury we didn't have then. But they were quite unique, bordering on ridiculous. Also very unsafe by any standards!

[@realSTYLISHx]

@@gregkellow4723 it sounds fun and interesting, I can only imagine some of the frankensteins you were creating

[@pablox5408]

Even the sounds that come out of the parts while the work is being done are beautiful. Great job!

[@oldshovel]

Thanks 🙏

[@DPR1138]

When I was a kid in the 1970s in Texas, we didn't have much money. My dad would take us to the junkyard to get enough parts to cobble a bike together. Watching you take that bike apart brought back some memories! Also, I love that frame - it's just a work of art.

[@oldshovel]

I did the same thing with my dad in the 80’s. I needed a bike for my paper route and we found one at the dump and I fixed it up.

[@PAExploration]

Never thought the Judy fork or 2.4 tires would fit, now I’m starting to wonder if they would fit my old Rollfast waiting to be turned into a klunker. Awesome build, glad you kept the patina, it looks great.

[@oldshovel]

They “fit” but it’s a bit ridiculous. The cruiser bike wheels had to be “precision” trued to make it work and the rear tire had to be deflated slightly to get it on. 😁

[@justinkyle5025]

I put some 2.35 wtb trail boss tires on a late 90s schwinn frame, had to deflate the tires to mount them, about 1 blonde cunt hair away from rubbing the frame 😂

[@JimmyHedman]

Yeah, this build ticked all my boxes! Modern fork and handlebar, modern BB and crank and that really cool retro frame! Love it!

[@oldshovel]

Thanks my friend

[@captjerski4165]

I have this kind of bike in my 4th grade, I begged my aunt to give me the bike rusting in her garage, I painted it blue and put motorcycle stickers to make it look cool, BMX kids dont want me to join their group cause my bike is not BMX and ugly, but I have lots of good memories with that clunker.

[@oldshovel]

Awesome 🙌

[@jimlamberton2435]

I think this build is great. Really gave me much to think about in how I go about my builds. I never imagined that a 1" head tube could be reamed out to accept a 1 1/8" headset. I love the blend of old and modern. I think this can be properly be called a restomod. I would love to see more builds from the post war - pre 1970's era. Thanks!

[@oldshovel]

Thanks Jim. It’s a fun one. The reaming is a bit sketchy but the tubing was good and thick so I thought it was worth a try. That said, I’m not planning any bid reins on jumps on this thing. 😁

[@feltwashers]

I was thinking the same thing. The old cruiser 1" is different than a IOS 1" and it looks like the cup size is only 1.4 mm larger, so for this bike you'd need to remove .7mm off the head tube wall thickness. I'm guessing the starting headtube is pretty chunky, so it is probably not a big deal to ream it this much. That New Departure coaster hub is so rad!

[@Aubreykun]

​@@feltwashers I've been planning to bore the cups of a standard 1" headset for 1-1/8" since the math seems like it'd work. Not a lot of room, but a cheap headset is easier to replace than a head tube

[@claas5170]

I am completely impressed by this move! Since I am confronted with a similiar compatibility problem, may I ask what tool you used to widen the diameter? If it's not a fortune, I am willing to spend the money.

[@larkinkelly3754]

Mine bikes sells a 1-1/8” headset turned down to fit a 1” head tube no reaming necessary since that’s a one trick pony tool

[@tedburnell5356]

This build is sick! Two things I really loved about it, one is using older faded "modern" components where you could, and the other is retaining the coaster brake! Skid like a kid!!!

[@oldshovel]

Totally 🙌

[@ncalmaverick]

The spirit of this build is deep. Thank you for your content.

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@BPlus-oz7cm]

The shape of that frame is just pure beauty. I dream of a titanium hardtail with those classic lines. Great job!!!

[@oldshovel]

That would be cool

[@aaronbaca7061]

Look up “Monē Bicycles” If you can stomach the cost..... you’ll get a radical, custom built bike

[@shannonbene7220]

OH YEAH, I wanna ride that. An interesting project that highlights the history of MTBing AND allows you to ream a headtube...the week is off to a great start!

[@jerrymumper4510]

Wow, this is my favorite build to date. I love the way the bike looks. The simplicity of the coaster brake, no cables, sans front brake just like when I was riding BMX as a kid. The 12 year old in me likes this bike and at 53 I love the bike even more. When I look at it it brings a smile to my face that I can't wipe off. I especially like that you left the original paint, you can't recreate that kind of patina. Perfect. Awesome job.

[@oldshovel]

Thanks. Lol 😂 12 year old me would also love it and 45 year old me feels the same... and is presently wheezing from riding it, single speed, up and down the hills in my neighborhood. 😁😂

[@jerrymumper4510]

@@oldshovel This is an opportunity for you to grow stronger. Keep up the good work. ;)

[@endangeredgnome5337]

The head angle looks modern actually. I would have put some front brakes on.

[@newttella1043]

Front brakes would be a good idea. I don't think those coaster brakes will last one real mtb downhill.

[@MannequinOngaku]

@@newttella1043 That rear hub's a coaster? I figured it was just a freehub. Both possibilities scare me haha

[@newttella1043]

@@MannequinOngaku Yes, you can tell by that weird metal piece that he's removing at 0:17.

[@MrDVCHITTer]

Really! how could that not be addressed the first time , such a simple addition.

[@ianRichter21]

But Coaster brakes are so cool and fun. There are some really nice coaster brakes out there. Mone bikes makes a sweet one.

[@christinefik2578]

Yes! Thank you for showing the bottom bracket adapter! I have an old schwinn road bike that is sized for a kid and want to build a mini fixie and now I know how!

[@oldshovel]

Awesome

[@petercroce]

I just watched the Klunkerz documentary last week, then I see you put this up. Perfect timing! And a great looking build.

[@BangTheRocksTogether]

Awesome introduction. It's great to see your face. Now we all have a better idea who you are. Thank you for that. Looking forward to this one, I've been dreaming about this bike for years.

[@oldshovel]

I’ve been dreaming about it too.

[@evotechcaeltd1583]

That’s cool! Hope you remember to put the coaster brake arm band on though...! 💥

[@thesausage351]

So cool. Totally awesome build. One day I’ll finish mine off but I want all the bits I need first, and there’s a lot of stuff to gather and lots of projects to finish first.

[@benb2301]

I'd love to see a video of it out on the trails!! Even just some chill trail would be really cool. I love your videos by the way, super inspiring and fascinating, especially for an aspiring bike mechanic like myself! Keep up the good work.

[@ryansoderlin975]

So cool. I think I have a new project to try. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@rogerbagley791]

Love this build. I usually go period correct or retro mod but this is such a cool mix of old and not so old. Food for thought for my next build. Keep em coming

[@damon0770]

Now I wanna try my hand at a Klunker!! Awesome build man! Keep it up!

[@Pillokun]

The Clunker turned out to be a mean looking machine! Nice

[@oldshovel]

Thanks my friend

[@4556vahg]

i love how you combine old frames with new parts, looks very interesting

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@philjungels7617]

Hey! We used to ride those things UPHILL too, back in the 50s. Along side railroad tracks, and any river or creek trails we could find. The best hills were on golf courses, because you had a built in jump over sand traps. Lots of memories in this build - but we left the ashtabula cranks, as they were tough as nails.

[@oldshovel]

Awesome

[@philjungels7617]

@@oldshovel I used to have an old LaSalle, actually my first bike. A lot like that old Schwinn, with about a 50 tooth on the crank, and about a 20 on the back. No fenders, and no cover on the steel framed seat. Big paperboy basket on the front. Pedalled papers with it, with a lot of uphill. My legs were strong back then, and it would really go fast on the flat or downhill. You forgot to flip the bars, like a board track racer! LOL

[@oldshovel]

The flip bars. Lol 😂 awesome

[@ZombieArgath]

Love the build. Everyone needs a clunker in their life, especially in the winter!

[@oldshovel]

Totally 🙌

[@LeroySains]

I daily a Clunker mate🤣

[@jonathandougherty3677]

Definitely hit that frame with some clear coat to preserve that patina. This is straight up bad ass lol 😂

[@benspeedschannel888]

That looks a whole load of fun!

[@oldshovel]

Spot on 🙌

[@benspeedschannel888]

@@oldshovel love your work dude! Definitely one of my favourite channels ❤️

[@oldshovel]

Thanks my friend

[@markhosbach9420]

Sweet! Love it! I built a clunker from the exact same frame. Nice you had a headtube reamer. I had to buy a turned down headset to fit mine. Got an old rockshox on it. Messes with the geometry. It's a handful on the trail, but at least some extra pedal clearance comes with the jacked front end. Can't wait to see where you take this build next. Cheers

[@davidnicholson6680]

I love it. I have no idea what's going on with that BB setup. Reaming out the headtube to cram a 1 1/8 headset in there is mad scientist-level bikemongering

[@biciclistaus]

Fun project, I did a similar build for the singlespeed Worlds in Bend keeping the rigid fork, the coaster brake only is not even close to enough to ride any proper Mtb trail. I suggest you to add a disk brake up front to make it fun to ride.

[@johnnydoe66]

My Dad didn't make much money so all my bikes came out of the county dump. My first real bike was a 20" version of that exact frame, complete with a skip chain. My Dad actually took the rear chainring and filed off every other tooth so the wheelset we scavenged would work. Definitely a sweet build, I was thinking that you might just wax the frame to help keep the original paint scheme, but give it a little pop. Oh yeah, maybe a Rohloff 14 spd hub in the future

[@oldshovel]

You’re dad sounds awesome. Most of my bikes growing up were also scavenged from the dump.

[@johnnydoe66]

@@oldshovel My Dad grew up pretty poor and he was the oldest of 13 children. He has always been a guy who tinkers and builds things from scrap or random leftover parts. He instilled in me that if I am willing to break it, I better learn to fix it. He would do the initial build of my bike, but I had to pay attention because any maintenance after that was all on myself. Keep up the awesome builds....

[@oldshovel]

Awesome

[@thomasking3156]

There is a trick we use in MX for our grips, we poke a tiny hole at the end and then fill the grips with spray paint and slide them on and wait till they dry, no sliding afterwards and it’s awesome. Think you could put that to use

[@oldshovel]

I’ve tried that and hairspray and a few others. They work well.

[@markwilliams4092]

Man I love you videos, and talent. Would love to see what you could do with my 1980’s Slingshot

[@mtus647]

That is absolutely awesome, and right up my alley

[@oldshovel]

Awesome

[@bullyborg]

Love it. I need to hop on this wagon and build myself one

[@thuggooch1776]

Hey Old Shovel I love these videos. Repurposing something instead of throwing it away and making something that you can't buy. It's pretty epic. I would ride the crap outta this bike!

[@oldshovel]

Awesome

[@lloydmartin8547]

That is a bike to have some fun on, great way to use old parts lying around your garage, given me some inspiration thanks mate

[@oldshovel]

Thanks 🙌

[@c.brown7625]

Awesome build. I am glad you added the suspension fork. I personally like the stripped down look with the 2.4" tires. This would be a great bike for some of the light trail riding that can be done here in Florida. You've inspired me to start shopping for beach cruisers.

[@Adamas_83]

All hail the Klunker. Staple of any collection.

[@gregstrabala8607]

My favorite build of yours this far, can’t wait to see the “little more”!

[@gregstrabala8607]

and I finally picked up a 1960 middleweight frame. Let the build begin!

[@hardcorefishermanofhull7438]

That look really nice I like the old swims I made a motorised bike with a swing my next project is going to be electric swing with front suspension can't wait to do it going to be brilliant just got to find the right frame keep up the great work

[@dadlife8289]

That build is super cool. I've never seen a tool like that for the steer tube! I think you should weld a bracket for rear disc brakes. I've seen you do it before. I also think the frame should remain the original worn paint.

[@houseofsolomon2440]

Nice! My first mtb was a schwinn sierra (1983). It had steel bull moose bars (switched to a single stem). Converted to 1x5 & rode it for 15 yrs - loved it

[@arrosconpollo1]

This was awesome to watch! I love the old made new in the spirit of cycling’s pioneers

[@martinslennon]

Great bike, in the 1980s I used to have a Raleigh chopper and it was a commuter, but also used for off road. The thing that stands out in my mind was the pedal back brake made it difficult to ride off road, it wasn't until the late 80s or 1990 before I started riding a properly built mountain bike. But I wished I could have had a Klunker, the closest bike to it at that time was a Raleigh Bomber.

[@mikano2349]

Wow! What a cool and beautiful bike you created! Love it!

[@rand2ca]

Once I saw that head tube reamer come out I knew you were serious . Great build !

[@BikeItUK]

Another bike saved and a quick turn around, never a better time to recycle a bicycle. Inspiring great work as always, all the best Andy

[@oldshovel]

Thanks Andy

[@timmcdowell3097]

Not only are your videos fantastic inspiration but also it is really great to see things like that bb adapter, which I didn't know existed, something I can now consider in personal projects as a solution. Thank you and keep up the great Chanel 👍

[@oldshovel]

Awesome

[@before1984soul]

Great build love the way it looks , classic way.

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@No_Grip_Racing]

Really cool build! Maybe there’s a way to keep the fenders? Also, post a riding video when you can!

[@brandonmoore263]

The original fenders would look sweet on it I agree

[@FedoraQuilava87Music]

Huge Inspiration for my Hiawatha Klunker project! The current setup on it is a 1x5, and a rigid fork, I'm def gonna have to really pursue the suspension fork and threadless headset route now! Great Video!!

[@GCho733]

I didn’t know you could convert a threaded fork and quill stem to a threadless. Pretty cool.

[@byrondot]

That's amazing! Try to fit brakes on that beauty and will be ready to go for action again! Nice video!

[@thinkpadBentnoseTheBlind]

I have not been here in a while. you have done very well Old Shovel. your mild mannered bike porn is a hit. I am so very proud that this has happened and of you,the creator. your hard work and meticulous attention to detail has in fact paid off. cheers from the east coast of Canada

[@eduardo8459]

The best!!!! Watch from Brazil, tchau!

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@MrAlexandrepk]

Achei que eu era o único kkk, acho muito inspiradores os vídeos desse canal

[@eduardo8459]

@@MrAlexandrepk nada meu mano, eu tbm acho e de vez em quando faço um trampo desses, quando as condições permitem 😅

[@d.bbailey9552]

This is really cool, I've been wanting to do this to my old firestone bike for some time now.

[@oldshovel]

Awesome

[@JerseyGearhead]

Hi, love the build. I would add a front brake since you already have the fork tabs, but leave the coaster brake for just the right amount of sketch. I hope you don’t mind if I make a few suggestions. It was cool the way you flipped the seat post to make it work, but I’m worried that you don’t have enough seat post insertion there. I think it’s a 13/16” post and they are still available out there in longer lengths. I have found it easier to remove a stuck quill stem with the front wheel on and the bike on the ground. Front wheel between your legs, loosen the bolt, hit with a hammer and twist the bars. The wedge usually breaks loose and come right out. Usually. I think it’s easier and safer to remove the pedals with the chain and wheel installed. It keeps the crank from moving and prevents your hand from bashing into the sprocket. Yeah I did that. I thought the wrench trick for removing the Schwinn kickstand was awesome. I didn’t know that one.

[@oldshovel]

I’m totally open to suggestions and yours are all good ones. In fact, I was thinking just what you said when I removed the pedals. 😁

[@markhosbach9420]

BMX seatposts work good. There are also seatpost shims available

[@elrinconderoller1560]

I never seen before an adapter bottom braket like that, thank you to share whit us this beauty

[@oldshovel]

You’re welcome 😉

[@SLbushwacker66]

That looks ridiculous! Way back when they would ride coaster brakes DH lol. That’s why they called the original fire trails “repack mountain” cause every run you’d melt the grease out of the hubs and have to repack em 😂 this is sick and would love to try it, dope build as always

[@oldshovel]

Thanks my friend 🙌

[@justincooper7015]

It would be so great to see a ride video/review of this out on the trails

[@necrodefecator]

I own a Kona Humuhumu which is an updated version of a klunker, the frame geometry is kinda the same. I turned it to an hardtail MTB with a 1x drivetrain. The result is awesome.

[@oldshovel]

Awesome. I’m always on the lookout for a Humuhumu, awesome beautiful bikes.

[@charlesholland6851]

I want one.

[@killerb4202]

Im building a Klunker out of an aluminum Kent Del Rio right now...very lightweight for a big bike. Ive already installed quick release aluminum mtn bike front and rear rims and pedals. Its at 29 pounds now and im hoping i can get it around 26 after changing the steel neck, bars and cranks and heavy seat. Great video too btw thanks!

[@yuutamooney7464]

Another sweet classic bike 👌

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@daddyspooge1]

They are fun, I have built several. First up, a real front brake, you will need it. Lately however I have been tempted by the State Klunker, if only for the adult sized seat post and wheels.....

[@oldshovel]

Those State Klunkers are on the big size.

[@peacefulmonke]

I need to see the klunking in action tho! Looks rad.

[@Bikeops2021]

I really need to find one of these in the UK... desperation has set in now, great work O S... 👍

[@mikethebike5014]

The fist thing that came into my head was a Raleigh bomber

[@Codename-B]

Awesome job, I own a fixed gear klunker myself. Did you had any trouble fitting the rear wheel while fully inflated? I did.

[@decentdad1160]

Senior Shovel, this might be my favorite yet. The fabrication on the headset, fitting truveta mtb cranks, and the GENIOUS idea of flipping the seat post upside down, I love the ingenuity and creativity of working with what the bike gave you. Forget the purist haters! If it makes you happy do it. Explore, create, bomb it down a hill and see what happens. Love every bit of this.

[@tzlrc0]

I didn't know you could put a 1 1/8" fork in a threaded frame. Nice build.

[@brv002]

That looks awesome! Any way to make it geared? Maybe a 1x9?

[@oldshovel]

Quite possible...😁

[@markhosbach9420]

He'll want the gears for the uphills, for sure.

[@bendavidson3595]

Hey Oldshovel, love all your videos, they are a great watch during lockdown. Would love to do a clunker build one day, I'm sure they are rarer than hens teeth here in the UK! Look forward to your next build. Also like the fact you don't play some irritating music in the background, just you spannering away nice..

[@oldshovel]

Thanks my friend

[@Bikeops2021]

I'm in the uk, I saw one last summer up North, unfortunately I was driving otherwise I would have begged the guy to sell it to me! Only one I've ever seen over here! 😥 Great build O S... love the recycling of the old parts!

[@sal26]

Love it. I rebuilt a schwinn (not the straight bar) into a bmx clunker a few months ago and did the same keeping the patina color on. I regret selling but the guy may sell back as he's a traveling boat mechanic down the road and might not need come November.

[@thesausage351]

This is dope. I’ve wanted to build one of these for so long! I now have a frame, I have a 7 speed internal hub so it will look like a single speed , I’m going to throw disc brakes on, and I’m undecided on forks yet, but I’m going to widen the rear forks and put some hella big rubber on it. It’s currently yellow and white but I’m going to spray it all over in red oxide and then some red that I’ll flatten, and sand back in areas and try and make my first patina paint job. I’m super excited because they’re not very common in Australia so it will stick out at my local bike track!

[@STPjoejeep]

You inspired me to build my version of a klunker. Just bought a huffy cruiser, a bottom bracket conversion, some 2.3 storm dh tires to shred etc. Mine will be a 7 speed tho.

[@lucasblackburn5147]

Hey man love your videos! I am curious though, where do you get your disc brake wheels from? I have a hardrock pro disc but it currently has hybrid style wheels (rim plus disc) and I was looking to get strictly wheels with disc only. It being a 26 9mm qr makes finding options difficult.

[@bigvslittle9565]

Nice build! I have an early 80s schwinn Klunker.

[@oldshovel]

Awesome

[@Michael-dj4vq]

I really enjoy your channel... you explain what you plan to do and get right on it.... plus I'm learning new skills from just watching you

[@oldshovel]

Awesome

[@anthonyespinoza5340]

Now this is some thing very unique. I would be proud to ride something like this

[@studio_confluence]

so sick! this page is total therapy! thnx so much!!!

[@bergolli1]

Very cool. I am watching your videos for learning skills of repairing bikes. Awesome. Cheers and go on.

[@iainmacintyre5718]

Hi another great video , can you try will me where you get the decals for your projects . I am looking for a 92 Kona decals>

[@pokeypaul78]

Definitely don’t put a derailleur in it. Not sure what other options you have for brakes, but I have a 2 speed automatic rear hub and I love the range it offers. Single speed optics and still that extra help for going up hill. I think SRAM makes a coaster brake version. Front disc brake or keep it simple with a v-brake. Either way, I really like it!

[@oldshovel]

Awesome thanks for sharing your thoughts on future tweaks.

[@andymoss]

Definitely needed to see that out on the trail…. Great build.

[@jp93309]

Funny I was just trolling FB marketplace this morning for a coaster brake cruiser to install some old parts I had laying around from previous tear downs. Inspired to keep looking.

[@oldshovel]

Awesome

[@michaelgossett1415]

Question, first let me say that's an excellent build. Second, why did you place Nickels in the hand grips?

[@Backwater-wanderer]

Those grips explain the coin shortage! Awesome build!

[@rodrigovelasquez744]

Excelente video,para entender la historia del mountain bike.👍

[@oldshovel]

🙌

[@strangetimes1]

So cool. What a great look. Reminds me of the pod racers from Star Wars Episode I...I actually love riding these old Schwinns as-is..love to see a side-by side ride comparison to your new mod and a stock ride of the same vintage. My unmodified 53 BF Goodrich is fast and smooth...

[@oldshovel]

Thanks 🙌

[@ryancook4445]

When are you going to put rockshox boxxers on it?

[@spaceghost5026]

Thank you for not putting music in this video. Cool bike!

[@redrocker1055]

I have an old chrome Sears Spaceliner frame I've been thinking about turning into a Klunker. I think I'll finally just go ahead and do it.

[@oldshovel]

Awesome

[@kaedeschulz5422]

That's the HotRod of the MTB world :D Looks helly awesome!

[@ArnoHelmchen]

I have an old drum brake front hub already unlaced, Sachs Orbit VT. Want it? Would have to send this over from Berlin, Germany though, but I‘d give it to you - for the love if bikes. Actually, diggin‘ the crates myself these days, what else to do than building stuff at home? Cheers

[@oldshovel]

Thanks my friend. Hang on to it and do a build yourself 😁

[@ArnoHelmchen]

@@oldshovel Fair enough dear Shovel. I nonetheless doubt I’ll ever have some sensible use for that part again as all the Dutch Bikes that sometimes use these hubs are up and running and I‘m focusing on my two main rides. Anyway. Thanks for the appreciation. I do enjoy the things you do a lot. All the classics. And big big up for your paint jobs and the branding you do on your own. Very impressive. Keep it goin‘ and stay safe 'n sound!

[@TheSlowworms]

I had no idea you could get American to euro bb adapters. I wish I knew that 15 years ago when I was trying to upgrade my Haro bmx 😄 Great build as always. Keep up the good work!

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@joevergnetti767]

Those heart sprockets are rare, hold onto those puppies! Love the build!!

[@bellajay713]

Lol first thing I said.

[@iamrichrocker]

like cars, the older bikes have a certain style..they appeal to me so much more than new cars/bikes...great build...this is the bike i would ride..simple..easy to maintain and update..ty

[@jamiethompson4814]

Wow looks great love your builds

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@danpye9491]

That’s a mean looking klunker! How does it handle on the trails with the front suspension? Can’t wait to see what other modifications you do to it. Thanks for another awesome build!

[@oldshovel]

I finished it late last night so I’ve only rode it around out front of my place. I’m sure it’s super sketchy 😁

[@danpye9491]

So pretty much like the original klunkers 😂