Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation - Just as Cool as it Gets!

This is Marc's chrome Schwinn Paramount.  It has come in for a preservation.  I say preservation because it is a fine line to walk on these valuable bicycles.  You want them to look as best as they can but you also don't want them to loose any originality.  You want to keep factory finishes on cranks and brakes so you don't just want to go polish everything to a mirror finish.

To me the Chrome Schwinn Paramounts are the holy grail of American bicycles. It doesn't get cooler.  An all chrome 531 butted frame, Campy components all around.  Fantastic wheels.  Just perfect!!

It is definitely time for some work to be done.  The headset was a bear to loosen, the pedals where so tight they took a little bit of heat and some busted knuckles to remove.  A year or two longer and they may have need more drastic measures to remove.  The bottom bracket fixed cup was also a bear to loosen.  On cable brackets on the top tube the screw heads where damaged which made it difficult to remove the screws, those screws will be replaced.

The Paramount will be stripped down and the frame cleaned and polished.  The components will be mainly cleaning and mechanically overhauled with just a few nuts and bolts polished.  New cables and more period correct cable housings will be installed.  A good mechanical overhaul will be done. I can't wait to tune and test ride the Paramount, it has been a long time since I have been on one!

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Before

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Before - Handlebars

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Before - Brake Lever

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Before - Stem & Handlebars

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Before - Front Wheel Hub

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Before - Front Wheel Rim

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Before - Stem

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Before - Headset & Fork Crown

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Before - Top Tube

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Before - Shift Levers

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Before - Down Tube

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Before - Brooks Saddle

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Before - Reynolds Decal

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Before - Seat Tube Decal

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Before - Crank

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Before - Front Derailleur

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Before - Seat Lug

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Before - Rear Brake Caliper

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Before - Chain Stays

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Before - Rear Derailleur

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Before - Rear Wheel Hub

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Before - Pedals

I broke the Paramount down to the frame.  The frame is in really good shape, just some slight chrome wear on the fork.  The frame is very dirty and dull but that will all change.  I think this chrome is going to shine like new!

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Before

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Before - Head Tube

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Before - Head Tube

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Before - Head Tube

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Before - Head Tube

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Before - Head Tube

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Before - Top Tube

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Before - Down Tube

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Before - Seat Lug

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Before - Seat Lug

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Before - Seat Tube Decal

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Before - Seat Tube

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Before - Seat Tube

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Before - Bottom Bracket

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Before - Bottom Bracket

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Before - Bottom Bracket

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Before - Seat Lug

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Before - Seat Lug

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Before - Chain Stays

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Before - Drop Outs

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Before - Drop Outs

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Before - Fork

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Before - Fork Crown

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Before - Fork Crown

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Before - Fork Blade

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Before - Fork Blade

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Before - Fork Blade

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Before - Fork Drop Out

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Before - Fork Blade

I left off yesterday with the frame cleaned but not yet polished and the headset and bottom bracket cleaned and going through the sonic cleaner.  Check back soon!
  
Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Headset & Bottom Bracket - Before
The polishing of the frame took a good deal more work then I thought it would, but it was worth every bit!  The frame turned out like a jewel!  The photos don't do it justice!  The chrome shines and is so smooth, the decals are perfect, the lugs pop with clean lines!  There is the chrome damage on the fork and a slight bit on the bottom bracket but its not real bad.  I am good with this kind of chrome damage because it means the bike was used and loved.  I love this stuff!!

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Polished

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Polished - Head Tube

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Polished - Head Tube

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Polished - Head Tube

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Polished - Head Tube

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Polished - Top Tube

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Polished - Down Tube

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Polished - Down Tube

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Polished - Seat Lug

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Polished - Reynolds 531 Decal

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Polished - Seat Tube Decal

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Polished - Bottom Bracket

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Polished - Bottom Bracket

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Polished - Bottom Bracket

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Polished - Bottom Bracket

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Polished - Seat Lug

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Polished - Seat Stays

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Polished - Chain Stays

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Polished - Drop Outs

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Polished - Drop Outs

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Polished - Fork

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Polished - Fork Crown

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Polished - Fork Crown

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Polished - Fork Blades

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Polished - Fork Blades

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Frame Polished - Fork Blades
Check back later!

I didn't think the components would need much work, just a good cleaning and lubricating.  After cleaning the component pieces need some work on the polishing wheels, not a lot but definitely needed some.

I cleaned the headset and bottom bracket and then lightly polished the pieces on the polishing wheels.  The pieces polished very nice and with new grease both the headset and bottom bracket spin very smooth.  Best of all is how they look with the chrome frame!

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Headset & Bottom Bracket Before

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Headset & Bottom Bracket Polished

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Pressing Headset Cups

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Headset Cups Pressed

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Headset Bearings Packed

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Headset Complete

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Headset Complete

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Headset Complete

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bottom Bracket Bearings Packed

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bottom Bracket Complete

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bottom Bracket Complete

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Headset & Bottom Bracket Complete

The brake calipers benefited the most from time on the polishing wheels.  When I disassembled and cleaned them there was just to many blemishes in the chrome hardware.  One of the brake calipers the arms where the factory finish was is worn down.  After reassembly and proper lubrication the calipers look so much better and feel so smooth.  I love this stuff!

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Brake Calipers Before

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Brake Caliper Before

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Brake Calipers Before

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Brake Calipers Polished

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Brake Calipers Complete

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Front Brake Caliper Installed

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Rear Brake Caliper Installed

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Brake Calipers Installed
The shift levers where very gritty and hard to move.  I cleaned and flushed them and they still did not move well and where looking dull.  I broke them down and cleaned the internal pieces.  With the shift levers lubricated and polished they work great and look even better!  I am very happy with the results.

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Shift Levers Before

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Shift Levers Before

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Shift Levers After

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Shift Levers Installed

The bottom bracket cable guide was next.  A good cleaning and some time on the polishing wheels and it looks great!

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bottom Bracket Cable Guide Before

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bottom Bracket Cable Guide Before

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bottom Bracket Cable Guide Polished

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bottom Bracket Cable Guide Installed

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bottom Bracket Cable Guide Installed


I did not want to loose the new and very well wrapped handlebar wrap so I just hand cleaned the handlebars, brake levers and stem the best I could.  It actually made a pretty good difference in the appearance.  They look good installed.

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Handlebars & Stem Installed

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Handlebars & Stem Installed

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Handlebars & Stem Installed

The wheels where a little rough and gritty.  I broke down the wheels and started the cleaning and polishing.  The wheels polished nicely, they could be just like brand new if the spokes where broken down and everything run over the polishing wheels but right now I don't think that is need.  With new bearings and grease the wheels spin for ever.  Overall the wheels turned out very nice!  There is nothing like Campy wheels freshly packed!
 
Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Front Wheel Before

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Front Wheel Hub Before

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Front Wheel Rim Before

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Front Wheel Hub Old Grease

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Front Wheel Hub Polished

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Front Wheel Bearings Packed

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Wheel Axle Pieces Ready

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Front Wheel Complete

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Front Wheel Rim Complete

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Front Wheel Complete

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Rear Wheel Before

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Rear Wheel Hub Before

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Rear Wheel Rim Before

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Rear Wheel Hub Old Grease

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Rear Wheel Hub Polished

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Rear Wheel Bearings Packed

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Rear Wheel Complete

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Rear Wheel Complete

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Rear Wheel Rim Complete

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Wheels Complete
 This Campy seat post is definitely not my favorite seat post to install and adjust a saddle but after a good cleaning, polishing and some patience the seat post looks great and the saddle is where it was when I started.
Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Seat Post Before

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Seat Post Polished

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Seat Post Complete

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Seat Post Complete

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Seat Post Complete
 The crank is a beautiful crank. I broke the crank down and clean away all the old grease and grime.  I then carefully polished the crank because I did not want to loose the original finish.  The crank turned out beautiful and looks amazing installed!

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Crank Before

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Crank Exploded

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Crank Polished

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Crank Complete

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Crank Installed

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Crank Complete
 The derailleurs where a little rough and gritty.  I broke the derailleurs down and gave everything a good cleaning.  With the pieces clean I worked through the polishing grits.  I am very happy how all the pieces polished and assembled the derailleurs look amazing!  I am very happy with the derailleurs.
Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Front Derailleur Before

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Front Derailleur Exploded

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Front Derailleur Polished

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Front Derailleur Complete

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Front Derailleur Complete

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Rear Derailleur Exploded

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Rear Derailleur Polished

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Rear Derailleur Complete

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Rear Derailleur Installed

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Derailleurs Installed
 Next was to install the cables and cable housings.  The replacement cable housings that where on the Paramount would have been fine but I did not like the shallow loops and the overall quality and color of the cable housings.  I installed new cable and light silver braided cable housings, I like the color a lot better and with the new cables and housings everything is working very smooth.
Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
New Cable Housings

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Top Tube Cable Guides

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Cables Complete

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Front Brake Cable Complete

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Rear Brake Cable Complete

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Rear Brake Cable Complete

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Rear Derailleur Wired

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Cables Complete
 One of the head badge screws was missing, I replaced both screws so they would be the same.

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Head Badge Screw Missing

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Replacement Head Badge Screws
 I did not get to test ride the Paramount because of the weather but on the stand the Paramount was extremely smooth.  I wish I could have gotten to ride it.

The Paramount looks fantastic, it is always tricky working on the high value bikes because you don't want to over do things and loose original finishes and look.  I feel the Paramount is perfect and nicely preserved.  Its hard to beat a chrome Paramount for classic looks!

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Complete

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Complete

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Complete - Handlebars

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Complete - Head Tube

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Complete - Front Brake Caliper

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Complete - Front Wheel hub

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Complete - Front Wheel Rim

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Complete - Front Wheel Hub

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Complete - Head Tube

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Complete - Fork Crown

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Complete - Shift Levers

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Complete - Down Tube

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Complete - Seat Lug

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Complete - Seat Tube Decal

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Complete - Drive Train

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Complete - Crank

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Complete - Front Derailleur

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Complete - Rear Brake Caliper

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Complete - Rear Derailleur

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Complete - Rear Wheel Hub

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Complete - Rear Wheel Rim

Marc's Chrome Schwinn Paramount Preservation
Bicycle Complete
Thank You!