Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - 1973 Schwinn Paramount (P13 I think) Advice Needed

Hey all,

I have a Schwinn Paramount serial H73143 that I'm not really sure what to do with. I'm not a rider any more (used to race when I was a teen) but a couple weeks ago I decided to get my bike out of the shed and see what kind of condition it was in. Pics are below (sorry for the crappy quality, iPhone cameras suck)..

Here's my dilemma, the bike needs to be fixed up but I have zero in the way of tools to work on it. It's also one of the last things that I have from my dad from back when I was racing which was a huge part of my childhood so I think I'd regret selling it (plus it'd be cool to give to my kid one day).

If I were to work on getting this restored, am I in for a huge project? I don't know if there's a local resource around Charlotte, NC that restores bikes so I was wondering if any of you could offer me some advice. Am I looking at a thousand + in cost for restoring? Is this even in restore-able condition?

Should I just leave it as is (except for replacing the chain and taking it to get greased/lubed/cleaned up and replace the sew-ups?

Thanks in advance for any assistance/replies!!
Bob

I completely enjoy my 1973 Paramount. I've spent about $400 on the bike for mechanical reconditioning and for rebuilding the wheels with new rims & spokes. The bike is a joy to own (and yes, I kept all the OE parts).

My bike did not need paint, your bike should not need paint also and might clean-up well.

P.S. I am also the original owner of this bike and have had it since I was 15. I can't imagine selling it.

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll210/wildcat-bucket/HHH2010007.jpg

Thats a nice looking bike. I wouldn't repaint it, but that's just me. Each one of the chips, scratches have some kind of story to tell. Think of them as little badges of honor. I would just give it nice bath, a gentle waxing, a thorough lubing and a tune up. Then start enjoying it again! Keep us updated with photos and progress.

Looks like this place has an open workshop program (maybe even classes)? That's a great way to learn how to do your own wrenching and not have to spend the money for proper tools until you're sure that you'll get use out of them. Don't repaint (It's only original once). Disassemble, clean and polish, wax the frame, re-assemble, enjoy.

http://tripsforkidscharlotte.org/re-cyclery-program/

Should I just leave it as is (except for replacing the chain and taking it to get greased/lubed/cleaned up and replace the sew-ups?



I vote for this.

What if the paint isn't original? There are a couple spots that make me think it's not original, I'll take better pics and post em. Thanks again for the assistance, I'm really stoked about getting this ride-able.

Richard Schwinn (yes... the same) of Waterford will restore the frame to showroom condition: http://waterfordbikes.com/now/home.php?newstype=randrO

Looks like it's been repainted, thoughts?

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/663/downtubepaint.jpg
http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/9076/headstockpaint.jpg

That could be primer.

That could be primer.

It looks like primer to me, too.

Its unlikely.

Look for masking mistakes near the chrome lugs, head badge and decals. If those items are clean of overspray, your bike was probably not resprayed