My {old} new bike!

I have always wanted a vintage bike {and when I say vintage, I mean VINTAGE vintage. Not from the 70s, 80s, or 90s. I'm talking 60s and older}. I never put much thought into actually buying one until Daren started to restore a bike he had as a kid. That really inspired me. So I mentioned it to him, and of course like the supportive hubby that he is, he was completely on board {and totally willing to do the entire restoration himself. Yup, he is that great}. We did a quick internet search to see what style I liked, and about what year. We found many Schwinn bikes on ebay and various websites from the early 50s to the 70s. I really wanted something from the 50s, so we narrowed our search and found a 1958 Tornado about an hour and a half drive from us for 100 bucks (!!). I cannot even begin to explain how excited I was when we went to pick it up.

 The bike looks like it is in better condition than it actually is. But for being 54 years old, it's not too bad! A few things will need to be replaced, like the wheels and obviously tires. They are super heavy! The fenders are a bit dented up so we will probably get a new set, and the chain guard might have to be replaced, too. But I am hoping there is some way we can salvage these parts, I want to keep this bike as original as possible. We will also be getting it professionally painted, and re-chrome many of the parts.

I have so many ideas for this bike. So of course, I went to Pinterest for more inspriation. Here are some ideas I have for my bike! 

via here & here

I am having such a hard time deciding between the blue and the mint! Kind of leaning more towards the blue though. I love the mint, but it is so trendy right now and I see it on a lot of bikes. I would like something a little more unique. I am also thinking white fenders with white walled tires and a basket. :) I love the brown saddle and matching brown leather grips, too. I will definitely be adding those to my bike. Here are the ones I want to get, both from Adeline Adeline {the most adorable NYC boutique}. 

Brooks B17 Saddle

Brooks Slender Leather Grips

So there you have it. I am so excited about this project and am really hoping it won't take too long to complete. I would love to ride this bike around town!