Before I figure out how to remove the non original decals, I thought it prudent to ask if they have some significance that escapes me. There is the “John’s” decal, and the odd little fellow on the back of the seat tube.

They appear to be waterslide decals, perhaps John’s was a Schwinn dealer back then? The frame came to me from Arizona, but I have zero history on it.

On the other hand, maybe I’ll have to leave them if I risk messing up the paint. In that case, too bad my name isn’t John!

Also, while I am at it, does the Campagnolo frame decal seem the right vintage for a late 1971 frame?

Thanks very much. Jeff

Check the serial # on the left rear drop-out

The little guy on the bike looks more from the 90s. Maybe a Google image search?

"John's" definitely looks like a bike shop sticker to me. The figure on the bicycle might be some sort of shop or club logo, as well. The frame looks to be in good shape -- we shall be watching your build with interest.

If you want to safely remove those decals, use Microscale Micro-Sol. I wrap a couple layers of paper towel around the tube with the decal and secure it with a piece of string or tape. Then I flood the paper towel with the Micro Sol and leave it for 30 minutes or so. When the edges of the decal curl up, you can begin to peel it up.

Folsomjack, Here’s the serial number and photo of the frame.

John, I bought this as a winter project, never started with just a frame and fork before, so looking at lots of parts. My winter project last year was a chrome Paramount which was very enjoyable, but I’ve always wanted a painted one, and this frame is more my size, 25 inch. The chrome one is 24 inch and just a little bit small for me.

That serial number picture is intersting to me. My Paramount is A74149 which translates to Jan 1974 and 149th frame that month. That makes it a 1974 bike. The model for mine is a P10-9. Yours means December 1971 also the 149th frame that month. Yours probably is a 1972 model because of the late year production. Roger

That's a beaut of a paramount.

Would leave the decals unless they really bug you.

Disclaimer - my name is John

Old clip art cyclist dude was very popular in shop stickers, logos, and ads.

That might very well be the name of the dealer your Paramount was originally shipped to. A provenance report from Waterford would include that info, if available.

Paging [MENTION=38510]Scooper[/MENTION] and [MENTION=226065]Metacortex[/MENTION], identification on aisle 3 please.

I've seen the guy on the bicycle numerous times in google images, the bike shop thoughts seem to be accurate to me. [MENTION=380471]FBOATSB[/MENTION] has a good idea with getting a Waterford provenance report.

Bill

that guy on the bike was used at our local schwinn dealer in peoria illinois for as long as i can remember and i am 61. it definitly is older than your bike. i am sure it came on your bike.

I regret removing a few cool vintage decals off a bike. And those are pretty cool. If older I would leave on. So many vintage road bikes have little to set them apart.

Leave those cool decals on. I love that little guy.

In my experience, removing the "John's" decal will not remove John entirely from your bike. You will very likely be left with the ghost of John in the color difference between the weathered paint and the paint that has been protected all these years by the decal.
Brent

I've seen those stickers/decals before. I believe the bicycle one was common and may have been available with the dealer name and address. I think it was called a "wiggle" picture because of the appearance of motion. The John's decal matches those I've seen for a John's Schwinn dealer from the 1970s. Both were most likely applied by the selling dealer. A provenance report from Waterford should clinch that.

It's a beautiful color.

I'm assuming that's a blue that the clear has ambered a bit- leaving a bit of a teal tinge. It's beautiful.

The John's graphic is from John's of Pasadena bike shop.
Now long gone, once a very big retailer, Schwinn, and also imported many Italian bikes way way back.
Big Paramount dealer, was one of the dealers that custom spec'd Paramounts frequently.
Sizing, tubing ga. and type, such as round blades on a road bike.
They built wheels for Confente too.

On the downmarket bikes, the graphic had more info. For the "pro" bikes, it was trimmed back.

Thanks very much, that is great to know. So with this lead, I did a quick google search and found this interesting post card below. I am so glad I asked and that you helped me out!

I like the little bike dude - the John's would have to go

Be a shame to lose the connection to the original LBS.

Yeah - definitely keep.

This.

The Colnago I recently purchased has that same "John's" graphic. Nice to know what it means. Thanks! It came from the West Coast.

@repechage

Ad pictured below is from the October, 1965 edition of American Cyclist. It shows the John's logo and the little cyclist. Both are an important part of the frame's provenance.

Chas.