A year ago I won on Ebay a '66 Schwinn Paramount, in Radiant Coppertone, in need of a rehabilitation (see pictures below). The bike came unassembled as the seller had planned to redo it in the early '90s but never got around to it--- so it sat in storage. He had owned and ridden the bike hard since he was a teenager working at an LBS in California in the late '70s. I'm the third owner.

Over the winter I searched for a painter and finally located Dave Erickson in Minnesota. He was recommended by Schwinn Krate and Stingray owners as someone who could really work with Schwinn's radiant colors. Dave did a beautiful job, was reasonably priced, and had the frame back to me in late April. Dave doesn't pinstripe so I had to find someone local. Several different leads didn't pan out and I wasted time searching. Finally in August I found a guy just down the road. He said he could work me in around his big jobs on custom Harleys and hot rods.

Well he was slow and when he finally stripped the frame and fork and started to work on the decal application in mid September, the 20 year old seat tube decal (the one with the Olympic Rings) fell apart. Another delay. I placed an order with Waterford, the new decals came a week later.

I had just about decided that there was no way my Paramount would see asphalt in 2006 and would have to wait until the snow had all melted in May 2007 to finally hit the road--- when low and behold the cell phone rings this morning and my pinstripper says, "I have a frame and fork that wants to go home." Hallelujah and pass the Phil Wood green grease! All I can say now is--- WOW! Watch for pictures to come!

See? Miracles DO happen..........!

It's not nice to tease ...

Congrats! I can't wait to see it.

Bob

Add me to the "can't wait to see it" group.

That's going to be a good looking bike FO SHO.

Bob,

This has been one l-o-n-g gestation; I can hardly wait to see the pictures! Congrats!

Yep, this should be a real looker!

No pictures yet????

It's a good thing the prez isn't too keen on defining torture, because this could be in that category.

Come on guys! I still have to tend the flock and provide love and caring for the M.S. daughter. Fortunately Ms. PB is in Scooper's neck of the woods so that only leaves the Corgis as a distraction. Hows this for a tease?

Absolutely gorgeous, Bob! Beautiful. Just beautiful!

I know you're going to enjoy it!

Definitely looks like it was worth the wait Bob.

Now, will you actually get to ride it before the snow flies? Or will you have to wait for spring?

There's only one way to describe it - it is a 'Paramount' restoration!

Beautiful machine, Bob - best of luck with it, and I hope you enjoy it tremendously.

-Kurt

Yo, Rev:
Very sweet looking ride. I suspect you have more than one BF denizen violating one of the Commandments - you know the one, something about not coveting . . . .

You are all so kind and I do appreciate all your cheering on--- it's even better than after the sermon and everyone says "Good sermon Bob." I had to stop with what you see. It was "Informance Night" at the Middle School for all the choral students and their parents. Just got back and I'm going to get a good night's sleep and continue on Thursday afternoon. Watch this thread!

P-Bob,

Wow! They did a great job with the paint and pinstriping. Try to keep your eyes on the road on that first ride.

Congrats,

Bob

Oh man, I just stumbled onto this thread. What a beautiful bike. I really love the headtube lugs. Its classic and timeless. Cant wait to see it until its finished.

It's looking great Bob!

I don't know if you care, but I don't think the Campagnolo brakes are period correct for the bike. I think Campag. first started making brakes about 1968. As an aside, the first ones had no logo on them and have been know to sell for $1500.00.

That bike has been ruined beyond repair and has no value. Better send it to me, I'll store it away for you.....

What should it have had? The old, inscribed Weinmann 999s?

Eric,

The best I can guess, the original owner did a number of upgrades about or after 1971, the patent date stamped on the Campagnolo Nuovo Record rear derailleur. I wonder if he was at the LBS, saw a newer Paramount equiped with Campy brakes and decided to add them. He left the crankset alone (as you well know) and updated at least the brakes calipers and levers, as well as the RD. He might have also added the tubulars at that time. Since I am the third owner, I had to repaint, and I'm upgrading it to a triple, I'm not too worried about exactness. BTW, I installed the Phil Wood BB this morning and mounted the crankset, I achieved the clearances needed for the chainrings, so far. I'll add the chain tonight. For now I'll be using a set of "dump find" wheels (27 X 1 1/4). I'll have two sets of wheels to build this winter, a set of vintage Mavic tubulars and a set of late '70s Ayraya clinchers (27 X 1), both on Campy high flange hubs (with straight skewers ).

Across the pond to a Brit? It would become confused by riding on the other side of the road! But I'll be glad to help you track one down and charge a reasonable finder's fee!

Forgive me Father, for I have sinned. I find myself lusting after another man's bike ....

B'Dog

that bike is gorgeous. i want one.

Very nice bob. It looks a little too large for me though.

We can't be too picky. Most importantly we are going to ride our bikes so in the end function over a bit of period correctness take president. My corky definately won't be correct. It will be a mix or parts that go right up too the mid 80s. My brakes won't have flat quick releases, My RD will be pat. 81, my front derailleur will be the newer NR with holes in the outer plate (unless I can figure out what to use for that pin that hold the upper arm onto the cage). early 80s tubular rims.. etc etc etc...