I just finished converting an old Schwinn Varsity, I know its a heavy frame but it was fun to work on and I have all the parts I need to eventually upgrade to a better frame. It still needs the bars wrapped, but my real question is what gearing I should adjust to. Its my first fixie, running 48x16 now which is kinda steep it feels like. I'm in a pretty flat area right now, but when I go back to school in september its relatively hilly. Will I have a lot of trouble skidding this off the start? Feels like it to me. Heres the bike

with 48 x 16 you will have trouble skidding. If you put anything on the rack you will not be able to skid.

I would try 48 x 18 to start and then move up to 48 x 17 for the skid patches. also try wet pavement or grass

Would swapping out the main gear for a 42t, or something in that area, be a smart choice?

It depends on how strong your legs are. It is all about finding the happy medium. If you improve your ability to climb too much, you will hurt your top end speed on a level surface.

better to get a 43t chainring than a 42 cause you'll get unlimited skid patches no matter what your rear cog is then.

Tape that thing up.

wow, people continually amaze me with their choices in converting the wrong bikes. a Varsity? jeez, anything would have been better than a Varsity.

Agreed bro, too nice to convert.

A) Looks good.
B) It'll look great once you get the bars taped up and add a brake lever.
C) If you are running a brake, no need to worry about skid patches or skidding, just use back pressure on the pedals and the front brake to stop.
D) Another vote for 48/18 gearing. A pretty happy medium between ability to climb one side of the hill and not spin out going down the other side.