Dropouts on a mid-80s Schwinn World Sport

[BikerKitty]

So, I'm fixing up my old high school Schwinn to ride in the MS150, and the rear dropouts are REALLY WEIRD! One is longer than the other. It sounds like that's normal, from what I've been reading on the web about these bikes, but I'm having trouble lining up the wheel when I put it back on after changing the tires. Is there some sort of filler piece that goes in there that I'm missing to help get the two sides in at the same depth? And why in the heck did they make a bike with different depths of dropouts? If I put the left side in all the way, the wheel would be in totally crooked. Plus, if I put it in even with the other side, I wonder if I'm strong enough to get the nut and bolt back on good enough to make sure it doesn't slide in further, making my wheel crooked as I ride? Argh.

Any advice or knowledge of how to get the sides more even is appreciated.

And my second question, and this is probably really easy and dumb, but can I put a quick release skewer on the rear wheel? Right now it's just a bolt and two washers/nuts. A total pain in the butt when I want to change a tire or anything. I'm guessing I can just throw one in there, and maybe I'll just grab one off my commuter quickly to see if it works and this question is pointless. But I'll still take an answer.

Thanks!

[nigel]

Check your PM's.

[BikerKitty]

Thank you! I think I got it to work...also thanks for warning me NOT to use a QR...I didn't even think of the slippage that could occur. Yipes!

So, I got the tires and tubes on after putting it off for a year. I honestly think the other ones I had on there were defective 'cause they flatted the first time I rode it. BOTH of them. When I took 'em out today I checked them to find the flat, and they both had very odd looking pinholes in areas where there were a lot of strange tiny bubbles in the rubber. Does that ever happen? Defects in tires? They're some kind of Kenda road tire.

Anyway, good grief I forgot how much fun that bike is to ride. It's fast, light (compared to my commuter), the seat is insanely comfy...everything on it is original, which is probably why it feels so good -- it was the bike I rode EVERYWHERE from the time I was about 15 until I was 22 so it's like an old friend. I'm thinkin' of taking it in for a once-over before I ride it 150 miles. The rear brake is a little non-functional. Okay, a lot non-functional. Then it just needs a little love - some new handlebar tape, a new water bottle cage, and it should be good to go!

It's a fun little bike. :) And it makes an awesome clicky noise when I coast. I love it!

:banana:

[widespot]

Thank you! I think I got it to work...also thanks for warning me NOT to use a QR...I didn't even think of the slippage that could occur. Yipes!

So, I got the tires and tubes on after putting it off for a year. I honestly think the other ones I had on there were defective 'cause they flatted the first time I rode it. BOTH of them. When I took 'em out today I checked them to find the flat, and they both had very odd looking pinholes in areas where there were a lot of strange tiny bubbles in the rubber. Does that ever happen? Defects in tires? They're some kind of Kenda road tire.

Anyway, good grief I forgot how much fun that bike is to ride. It's fast, light (compared to my commuter), the seat is insanely comfy...everything on it is original, which is probably why it feels so good -- it was the bike I rode EVERYWHERE from the time I was about 15 until I was 22 so it's like an old friend. I'm thinkin' of taking it in for a once-over before I ride it 150 miles. The rear brake is a little non-functional. Okay, a lot non-functional. Then it just needs a little love - some new handlebar tape, a new water bottle cage, and it should be good to go!

It's a fun little bike. :) And it makes an awesome clicky noise when I coast. I love it!

:banana:

I can relate. I just acquired an mid 80s, lugged, steel Fuji and I love riding it. Mine also clicks loudly when coasting (freewheel). I have put new cables, bar tape, tires and a brooks saddle on it and it looks pretty cool, just needed some TLC. Sorry, no idea on your tire problems, when putting on my new tires I found them much more difficult than mtn bike tires, I worried about pinching the tube. Have fun.