LETTERSReader Project
of the Month
MY PARENTS BOUGHT me a 1952 Schwinn Black Phantom
in about sixth grade. I thought I’d been given a Cadillac.
I rode it constantly, until the magic age of 15, when a ’
Chevy became my mode of transportation. Over the years
of sitting around, the bike got rusty, moldy, and looked sad.
The tires rotted and the leather seat disintegrated.
A July 1989 Popular Mechanics article inspired me to
restore the bike. I wrote to the author, Frank Coggins, who
answered my repair questions. This past winter I inally sum-
moned the gumption to restore it. I disassembled it, cleaned
and lubricated all the mechanical parts. I bead-blasted and
repainted it to the original paint scheme. I learned to pin-
stripe with the help of YouTube and a retired sign painter who
donated tools. I replaced some parts, while others were bufed
to get rid of the rust, then clear-coated. The Saddle Shop in
Edgewater, Florida, re-covered the leather seat. The original
tires were not whitewalls, but since many of the Phantoms
came with them, I went the extra mile.
The photo (right) is me
on the Phantom from an
8mm home movie. The left
is the bike today. Restoring
it cost about $900. It origi-
nally retailed for $84.95,
back when gas was $0.20 a
gallon. —Roger Rowlands,
Morrill, MaineWhen cleaning up a new purchase,
use Windex to get the dirt of irst.
Then use mineral spirits and a tooth-
brush to clean up greasy areas. Finish
by washing and waxing the paint with
the same stuf you’d use on your car.Check and see if there’s a not-for-
proit community bike shop in your
area. They’re great places to learn
new tips and borrow specialized
tools. Otherwise, check out online
resources like sheldonbrown.com.About that May
coverline...
Several detail-oriented readers noticed
that our May feature “Things to Do Before
the World Ends” listed 55 items, while the
cover promised 64. A few even counted
out each of the tally marks on the open-
ing page, searching for an answer. If
you’re looking for the other nine items,
lip to the From the Editor page. You’ll
ind editor in chief Ryan D’Agostino’s
contributions in bold.And a few more
suggestions from
Ted Bernhardi
I’ve completed 30 items on your list of
“Things to Do Before the World Ends.”I was surprised you didn’t include more
afordable options. Here are some addi-
tional suggestions:- Make two skydives. The irst time, you’ll
think, Yeah, I did it! The second time, do I
have the balls? And, how much do I want to
risk my life? - Ride the Cyclone at Coney Island, the
last wooden roller coaster there. I went for
my 50th birthday and sat in the front seat.
While you’re there, try a Nathan’s Famous
original hot dog. It’s a long line, but you get
to cross it of your list. - Milk a cow.
- Ride a helicopter. It’s an unexpected and
unbelievable experience. - Ride a hot-air balloon. (Bonus: I skydived
out of one at 4,500 feet, and left my wife
in the gondola.)
—Ted Bernhardi, Yonkers, New York
Letters to the editor can be emailed to [email protected].
Include your full name and address. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.How to Restore a Vintage Bike
Courtesy of Vic Miller of Vic’s
Classic Bikes in LouisvilleVIC’S
TIPS!8 JULY/AUGUST _ 201 POPULARMECHANICS.COM