Originally Posted by
Kobe
Get the 70's Paramount. You know you will miss those stainless lugs if you get a '80's Paramount. I almost bought my '73 back after I sold it just because those lugs are so pretty.
Back then the lugs were stamped mild steel (Nervex Professional or Prugnat, depending on the year) that were chrome plated. Schwinn's chrome plating was excellent, but a lot of bikes that were neglected developed pitting in the chrome over time.
Today's shiny lugs and fork crowns are usually investment cast stainless steel that has been highly polished and they aren't subject to pitting and peeling like the old chrome plated ones.