Is this acceptable?
 

http://i36.tinypic.com/34ffn6s.jpg
http://i35.tinypic.com/34yprhg.jpg
http://i35.tinypic.com/2janfaw.jpg
I found my dads bike about 6 months ago. I rode it as a 10 speed for a while and now it's a converted fixed gear. I'm looking to paint it tonight and I was just wondering if this bike is horrible and a lost cause. What would you guys fix first?
Sorry for the cell phone pictures.

Pics are too crappy to tell.... Can you tell us the model, and perhaps if there's a sticker on the seat tube indicating the type of steel?

I'll take nice pictures on my nice camera now.

The first thing I would fix is the "situation" you have going on in the background...it's a mess! : )
Secondly, I would not paint that bike...I would leave it alone and ride it!

don't paint it. paint is only original once. paint it and you'll just have another crappy conversion with janky spray paint. just clean it and keep it in good shape and you'll have a nice bike to be proud of.

If the paint is in great shape and you like the color, then don't bother painting.
If the paint is in great shape and you don't like the color, then paint the bike.
If the paint is beat up but not too bad and you like the color, then don't paint the bike.
If the paint is beat and you think the color and finish looks terrible, then paint the bike.
If the paint is in great shape and you like the color, but want a more durable finish, have the bike powdercoated.
If the paint is in great shape and you don't like the color and want a more durable finish anyway, have the bike powdercoated.

don't paint it!
the onlytime painting bikes is justifiable is when the paint is seriously damaged ie chipped, or the frame has so much rust on it it is impossible to cure without damaging the original paint.

Good pictures.
Is this bike in good shape?
Worth anything?
Can I fit other parts to it?
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/a...Picture001.jpg
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/a...Picture002.jpg
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/a...Picture003.jpg
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/a...Picture004.jpg
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/a...Picture005.jpg
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/a...Picture006.jpg

if you paint that you are a fool! it looks great as it is. please leave it alone.

Really? If these stipulations do not apply, then it would be inexcusable to paint the bike?

Yes, please don't paint it.

Yes
Yes
Yes

foot retention

looks like it could be a keeper. nice.

Bike is certainly not a horrible lost cause. All I would do is add some clips and straps and perhaps a 42T chainring (for ~ 70 gear inches, should be fine even with a hill or two).

Also, 80s Schwinns have standard threadings, so anything you might want to upgrade should be a breeze.

Okay. I just need some new pedals, saddle, and I already have new handle bars.
I hope I don't kill the classic look but I won't paint it until I get a new frame thanks to your suggestions.

DO NOT paint that Super LeTour! That bike is SICK! Shoot on down and take a look at my post "1971 Schwinn Sport Tourer conversion?" and let me know what you think ; )

I can't believe. you wanted. to paint that.

wash, wax & buff and she'll shine purdy!