Below is a 1980 Schwinn Continental. I got it in rather rough condition having been left outside in the elements. There were vines growing through the spokes and on other parts of the frame in addition to rust and general deterioration.
The frame was stripped and repainted. It is clear here where the weld was made between the head tube assembly and the top tube.
For a Candy Apple paint job a base paint must be painted first. For Schwinn paint, it was silver.
Here is the bike as of today. I just finished relacing the wheels with stainless steel spokes.
No bike is ever finished. I would like to get a different pair of pedals. MKS touring are my preference but finding them with 1/2" threading has been difficult. And a black Brooks B17 or Flyer saddle when the intersection of money and opportunity align better for me. Now, I just enjoy riding it.