I need to get into this discussion. Yesterday I was given my brother's Schwinn Traveller. I've now learned by the head badge that it was made in Japan in 1978. The tubing sticker is gone. It has Shimano 400 derailuers, Shimano hubs, and Takagi 170 mm cranks. I'm not positive I understand the frame number: A826251. I think I read that A=January, 8= year ('78). Is that accurate?
I'm definitely replacing bar tape, brake pads, tires, tubes, cables. Other suggestions? Paint is bright red with chrome fork ends, and is in OK shape with a few dings and scratches. I'll have pics up tomorrow.