1977 Schwinn Deluxe Varsity
 

This is the first bike I bought with the sole purpose of fixing. Its cherry red, with no body rust, just some rust on the rims and other chrome parts. I know its not worth a fortune, but it was given to me by my in-laws, so who am I to refuse? Anyway, I was wondering if anyone could give me any ideas on how to make the chrome shine? What are good cleaning products to use, and I'm also wondering if the current shifters on it are worth keeping (Shimano GT500). Also, it has a strange tire size (to my eyes, anyway), they are 24" x 1 1/4". Are these upgradeable? Thanks for any help, this place is awesome, and if this is posted in the wrong area, I apologize.

Pictures:
1. http://cubeupload.com/im/7LmYjj.jpg
2. http://cubeupload.com/im/inQ7vP.jpg
3. http://cubeupload.com/im/xMQxS6.jpg
4. http://cubeupload.com/im/5P5v4z.jpg
5. http://cubeupload.com/im/OC5E8H.jpg
6. http://cubeupload.com/im/lcY5bH.jpg
7. http://cubeupload.com/im/LO1cRV.jpg
8. http://cubeupload.com/im/xpiomA.jpg

If there's rust on the chrome and it's not too bad, you can try Nevr-Dull wadding polish. If it's really bad, you can try an oxalic acid bath. Oxalic acid is great, but don't use it on anything but steel. It will eat aluminum and if there are zinc galvanized steel parts (spokes) it will eat the zinc and leave it looking cloudy.

This post probably belongs in the general C&V forum though.