I would replace the brake pads w/ KoolStop salmons and, budget permitting, the rims w/ aluminum. That will give you a bike that actually accelerates and decelerates. Those heavy steel rims are the Varsity's worst feature.
I made a few other mods, including a 6-speed freewheel (plenty of room if you delete the pie plate), downtube shifters (shim required), and toeclips (slight pedal mod. required).
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069