Schwinn chopper ebike buildup questions

[Parker X]

you made me re-read over my post several times there to make sure I didn't mistype or misread something, I didn't mention repair (god I hope I dont have to repair anything other then maybe a tire or two a few years down the road) I did type repaint however, the bike I am getting has some wear on the paint so it needs to be redone, I was thinking about going with the 'Schwinn Squadron' paint scheme as I think that would look amazing on the stretched body of the spoiler.

and I don't plan on using the motor too often, just when coasting at a "higher" speed so it would be used to maintain speed and not build up to it. If it comes down to it, I even have some ideas floating around about a friction drive system that would in theory look good and be functional.

 

[RallySTX]

Sorry about that, my eyesight was the reason for the mistake. I was so surprised that somebody found a Spoiler arround here, that my mind must have seen repaint, and turned it into repair for me. Just in case, I know a guy in town who specialises in repainting bikes. He could recreate that theme for you at a nice price. His name is Mark Walhovd.
http://www.wahoobikes.com/ He might even remember me if you ask him. I look forward to pics of your bike, and again good luck!
Brian L.

 

[Parker X]

it would be about an 80 mile / 2 hour trip there but if the price is right I'm willing to travel. the last time I was in Janesville was in 2008, I was going trout fishing and the big flood hit and ended the trip a bit earily.

 

[RallySTX]

Well nif you ever do make it down here, you are welcome to stop in here, and swap lies and drink my Dew. I'll show you my bikes, and if you jam, bring your guitar. I play bass, and keys.
Brian L.

 

[Parker X]

I just got the bike, the paint has a little chipping here and there but still is amazing looking and not noticeable unless you are looking for them. I'll have to have a go at it tomorrow to clear at least some of the minor surface rust on the chrome. other then that it is solid and in great condition.

I only wish I could have gotten this bike a bit cheaper, then I could pick up a real Squadron that is posted on Craigslist from Appleton for $150, the guy has it titled as "Schwinn chopper- military style"

 

[RallySTX]

Sounds like areasonable price for the Squadron, if it's in very good condition. I'm curious what you paid for the Spoioler, and can't wait for pics. Mothers or Amsoil chrome polish will help with the chrome. We had a guy in Delevan who had a Spoiler with painted forks on it, aparently due to rust. He was asking for $450 last year for it. Congratulations, you are now the owner of a very rare bike. You are one of 2,000 lucky enough to get one of these bikes in America. Welcome to our own little wing of the asylum!
Brian L.

 

[Parker X]

I paid $500 delivered to my door so not a real bad deal, also I might be able to get ahold of some Amsoil chrome polish tomorrow when the auto shop opens, however I would assume the Turtle Wax chrome polish would work just the same, for Amsoil it's about $6 for an 8oz bottle and Turtle Wax brand is $3 for a 12oz bottle. think I'll set out and buy both and try the T.W. brand on the handle bars and see how that does. and use the former on the forks and kickstand.

I would love to know where I can get a hold of a Squadron seat and handle bars if anyone can point me in that direction, I've searched and found a few places that claim to sell them but the sites look poorly constructed and managed which in experience says they are most likely fake.

EDIT: wow was just thinking about it, it's almost like I'm high jacking your thread... Sorry about that.
on a side note, I would just like to say It is absolutely amazing how much you have gotten done with what you have to work with, I mean I have taken for granted that I am able to do these things using two arms/hands and you just make it look like I fail even in that department, you Sir are a true legend, I commend you for your work and ability.

 

[RallySTX]

You're too kind, just for embarassing me, you gotta bring your own Dew. Here is another update for the Stripper. The brake caliper plate is DONE! Sans minor tweaking, here it is.

The Spoiler is in the unique position of most likely NOT needing one. After fitment testing this morning, it looks like all I need is longer mounting bolts, and a batch of washers to shim the rotor, and the caliper toward each other. All I need is a half inch. Well Parker, I would say $500 was a good deal. Especially since they sold new for between $650 and $750, came in limited numbers, and in the condition your bike is in. I didn't notice if the Squadron handlebars are different than the regular OCC bikes. Admin may have something to say about it, but as far as I'm concerned, as long as a question or comment about these bikes is posed, you can yak all ya want here. This is my little padded cell in the asylum.
Besides, us Echopper guys gotta stick together! And remember, Ebikes are cool, 8) but Echoppers RULE!
Brian L.

 

[Parker X]

here is a pic I pulled from google that was from a C.L. post that has since been deleted.



if you notice, it has a little cross-hair in the middle like the fighter planes "of old".

 

[RallySTX]

Yup, I remember them now, the crosshaired handlebars, that reminded me of the old bmx style bars, but painted no less. Doesn't do much for me, which is why I failed to remember them. Funny that. as I am a big fan of old warplanes.
Brian L.

 

[Parker X]

ya know, I'm not a fan of painted handle bars either, I mean I might go with a blackening process for them since I would think the chroming process on those bars would a) be a bit expensive and B) look a bit of a mess because of the tight corners around the cross hairs and end up leaving a "flaking spine".

 

[RallySTX]

Any good body or paint shop should be able to powder coat them chrome. That would work, but I know not what it would cost.
Brian L.

 

[Parker X]

I asked a buddy of mine who has a friend who works at a local paintshop and they said that they would do the base of what I want for around $500 and that includes a chrome "dipping process" for the bars and sandblasting and primer and the matte drab green on the fenders and frame. however they said I would need to see someone else for the decals or design work done in paint but they would take it afterwards and clear coat it for no additional charge as that was included into the deal.


EDIT: Just ordered one of these, if anyone has any input on the product or company please share it. I figure I will be a nice addition so that my phone is at hand and doesn't drop out of my pocket while riding.
http://www.slipgripcarmounts.com/SlipGrip-15-Bike-Motorola-Atrix-4g-OtterBox-Defender_p_98607.html

so far I have not had the pleasure of riding the bike as it's raining but I have sat on it and just while sitting down I can feel the phone wants to slide out of my pocket. would hate to be riding around and then drop the thing and not notice.

 

[AussieJester]

Get I powder coated I had my last frame done for 100 bucks, that included sandblasting, set of bars cost 10 bucks including sand blasting, there's a great range of colors and will last a damn site longer than painting... You would have to be brain dead to pay 500 bucks to get a bicycle frame painted imho


KiM

 

[Parker X]

Get I powder coated I had my last frame done for 100 bucks, that included sandblasting, set of bars cost 10 bucks including sand blasting, there's a great range of colors and will last a damn site longer than painting... You would have to be brain dead to pay 500 bucks to get a bicycle frame painted imho


KiM

Yeah that is why I wasn't considering the local shop, I know it shouldn't cost as much as they wanted I mean I was looking into having my car painted a couple years back and was quoted at $400 with the pinstripe detailing that I wanted at the time and this was by a shop in northern Wisconsin.

 

[RallySTX]

Here's what I did on my day off. Err, better make it weekend alone. On Saturday, I went outside! I limped to the bus stop two blocks away. After mugging the bus driver with a wet noodle, I made him take me shopping! When I got back I had fresh milk, Dews, and screws! :lol: I swear, I never did anything without their permission. :wink: They had a bunch of nice M5 and M6 parts at the hardware store, but I only drive American.

The first two pics are of the Stripper with Hyena's Rotor installed, and his Caliper in place, above the tourqe arm.

The next two show the new washers that shim the rotor on the Spoiler out enough for the factory caliper to fit between the rotor and motor. Also you might be able to make out the two rows of washers above the axle, that shim the caliper into alignment.

I'm not sure how well that caliper will work shimmed out 3/4 of an inch with washers, any ideas? I can't wait for the parts from the shop to arive. With any luck at all, I'll be riding next year for sure. Edit, I almost forgot, Hi Kim!
Brian L.

 

[Parker X]

great looking rotors I want a set....


On another note, I took the bike out today to check how it rode, WOW love it, but after riding about 200 yards one of the spoke nuts (nipple/s) on the back wheel broke, seems to be made out of plastic, so I assume that the guy I bought it from did some work on the rim at some point of time and yes I did check it out before I rode it and the wheel was true. I called a local bike shop and was told a new pack of Nipples would run about $20 for 50 but I'm still going to shop around.. and I only need 1.. I'll have extra's I guess.

 

[AussieJester]

Buy a spoke tool and then find Ann old bike our wheel at the thrift store/flea market etcetcetc then you have a heap of spare nipples likely cheaper than buying a pack.

KiM

 

[RallySTX]

Mabye these pics will show the issue a bit better. Cheap 3 MP cam needs to go. Anyway, Parker, thanks that rotor is a 203 mm unit from OZ, and the caliper is an Airtek piece that has a shady reputation. Aparently, they like to freeze up on the rider while in motion, leaving you with a frozen brake lever, and NO BRAKES! I looked mine over good and the thing looks fine, so I'll try it out on the Stripper. Now for the Spoiler issue. Below the standard 180 mm disk, that I think looks nicer.

And in this one, you can see the gap between the caliper and the hub motor.

This one shows the washers between the hub and rotor, there are three.

And finally, the real issue, there are 11 washers between the frame and the caliper. My question is, Is that too many washers?

Sorry for the nudity. I'm not surprised about that spoke nipple issue, these Schwinn factory wheels are crap. The spokes are too thin for an adult, and the rims are weak! Don't confuse these Spoilers and OCC bikes for anything other than what they are, cruisers, in other words, road bikes for the relaxed set. They can be used for Ebike builds due to the strong frames, but almost everything else has to go. You can add gears to them and make them faster and better at hills, but they will never be competitive with sport bikes or BMX as they are too heavy. The Spoiler does come with some awesome brakes don't it!
Brian L.

 

[RallySTX]

Due to the lack of any response, I decided to ask the machine shop to make a spacer plate for the rear caliper on the Spoiler.
This drawing was submitted today.

Again, thanks to all who offer their input.
Brian L.

 

[RallySTX]

When these batteries arrived they read as follows.
23.12, 23.14, 23.13, 23.16, averaging out to 3.85, to 3.86 per cell. Now after sitting for three months they read as follows.
23.09, or 3.84833 per cell.
23.06, or 3.84333 per cell.
23.05, or 3.83333 per cell.
23.02, or 3.83666 per cell. I will post this info on my build thread and ask if folks think they are still good, and what they would charge. Another member wants them, si I'm interested in opinions. Pic is on page 12 of my build thread.
Brian L.

 

[AussieJester]

Nothing wrong at all with the batteries

KiM

 

[Grinhill]

Hey Brian, that's the ideal voltage for storing Lipos. They can sit there another 6 months and still be fine, good as new.

Better for them than charging them up to 4.15V per cell and leaving them sitting.

 

[RallySTX]

Thanks fellas, you wanna hear a laugh? Tonight I'm reading the manual for the 106B I got two months ago, and I realise I COULD use it to discharge the batteries with the power supply, as long as regen discharge is off, default seeting!
DOH!!
Brian L.

 

[AussieJester]

Most half decent LiPO chargers have a cycle/store feature on them that
will discharge the pack/cycle the pack to your set parameters, as mentioned
above 3.85v is the general rule for storing LiPO...

KiM