1965impalass

Does anybody know all the components that came on a 1968 chrome paramount? Thanks. doing a build with only the frame at the moment.

oddjob2

Catalogs available at trfindlay.com

RiddleOfSteel

There were a few sub-models of Paramount in 1968 (as there were most years). Do you know what sub-model it is? Or is all you know just the frameset? As always, details, please. And doubly so (especially if you are unsure of sub-models): pictures.

Paramounts came in Track, Deluxe, Tourist, Tandem, and Road Racer.

Catalogs don't get specific during these years, but they were 27" wheel bikes. Generally, they sported components sourced from all over. Campagnolo here, Weinmann there, Schwinn-Approved over there, etc. What are your plans for the bike, component-wise? Original as possible build? Matching groupset? Strategic modernizing while keeping the original spirit of the thing?

Kactus

Here is the dealers catalog for 1968.
SLDB 1968 Dealers Catalog Page C

FBOATSB

Would this happen to be the NOS frame that just sold on ebay a few days ago? Interesting.

rhenning

Also you have to consider Paramounts most of the time were a custom build to the customers order and there was a liberal use/variaty of parts to the owners wishes. My 1974 P10-9 touring for example came with Campy brakes as an up grade over the stock Weimans. Also there were very few Schwinn dealers stores that you would walk into and see a Paramount in much less all the variations. Roger

rhenning

For what its worth if this was a complete bike when originally sold Richard Schwinn at Waterford has most of the original order details for Paramounts. There is a charge for that service. Roger

FBOATSB

And welcome to Bike Forums, by the way, I know many here including myself will be interested in following your build. There's tons of knowledge here.

Moose

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1968-NOS-ne...p2047675.l2557

Wow, if this is the frame, it might be suggested that it not be built up but rather left in it's pristine condition. If it must be built up, it would be neat to source all the parts as NOS as well. Hanging any crusty used parts on that would be ugly.

This frame was probably a custom order, so adhering to any standard parts spec would not necessarily be important...it should be built as someone imagining their dream component set back in 1968.

pastorbobnlnh 

Just to help everyone visualize this beauty---



Since only the frame is available with no fork, I'd say the sky's the limit.

But if you wanted to remain "stock" you'd need to source a 151 BCD Campagnolo Record crankset, Record FD & RD, the appropriate shifters, and Record pedals. It would have come with Weinmann centerpull calipers and levers, unless the original purchaser would have upgraded to the Campagnolo calipers and levers. A drop bolt would be needed for the rear caliper.

The wheels would have had Record high flange hubs most like laced to Mavic tubular rims. There is a chance the hubs would have been laced to 27" clincher rims. The freewheel would be a Regina Oro, 14-21 or 14-23 five speed. The stem and bars would be Cineli. A Record seat post, BB, and headset would round out the build with a Brooks Professional saddle.

You can see the challenge in sourcing all of these parts. Not easy. This is why I'd encourage you to build it with what you can find and then ride and enjoy it.

Metacortex

Being a full chrome non-track frame it was almost certainly a P13 model. You can see the original specifications and componentry here:



Being a 23" frame it appears to be a standard frame and not a custom order. You could verify that with a provenance report from Waterford Cycles.

John E

I love option 15(d): replace that beautiful Brooks Pro with a cheapo Unica Nitor plastic saddle at ... no extra cost.

oddjob2

I want to see the ‘65 Impala SS too

palincss

More important than all that, what are you going to do about a fork?

Kactus

The OP hasn't been back to confirm that it was the one without a fork.

John E

Interesting -- perfect half-step gearing was stock that year.

By sometime in the early 1970s Schwinn had changed to 14-16-18-23-26, with that big ugly 5-tooth jump right where I want a gear. (I run 14-16-18-20-23-26 6-speed on the Bianchi, which works very well with either 50-47 half-step or 50-42 1.5-step.)

well biked

That ebay frame is quite the beauty! I love that the red lug outlining is in such good shape. It's a shame about the fork not being with it.

RiddleOfSteel

If it is indeed a frame with no fork, there are several chrome off-the-shelf options available, though they may be better suited to 700C wheels with 28mm tires max. Hopefully the chrome tones match. We shall see. I hope it came with a fork.

Lascauxcaveman 

Well, since there's no fork included, I'd build it first with a CF fork, just because. See how I like it.

Why not?

Bikeman55

While researching my 68 Paramount I came across this thread. As it turns out this is my frame. The original poster passed away and I bought this frame and some other bikes and parts from his estate. Through the link to eBay in this thread I was able to see the original description and the serial numbers match. He had found most of the parts for it and all I had to do was put it all together. As stated the fork was/is an issue. When I completed the required posts I will post pictures. It was exciting to find out the frame had never been built.

merziac

You can add pics to your album and home page that may get moved here.

In the meantime, welcome aboard, glad you found us, you're in the right place.