1938 Schwinn Paramount

[Rbu]

This bike came from a patient of mine about 15 years ago. His dad was a racer and official in the 30s and 40s. He knew I was a racer and I was definitely interested. I cleaned out his garage, a french 3 speed derailure racing bike (wooden rimmed) which I lent to a friend of mine who owned a bike shop, for display. I also found this chrome schwinn racing bike, I had a good feeling that this was more valuable. Also had wood rims. A few other wheels and miscelaneous parts. Also was a pair of early rollers and a roller clock set up ( for indoor roller racing). The Paramount has sat in pieces for the last 15 years in pieces. For some reason, now is the time that I have chosen to attack this project. Here are some photos of the frame. The serial number is A263.

 

[Larmo63]

That is bitchen.

Is the frame going to be re-plated?

It might be nice in nickel.......?

 

[Rear Facing Drop Out]

Paramount

Cool bike. The frame was built by Wastyn for schwinn. The head tube lug work is different then some I have seen but has the top of the seat stays rounded. The top of the fork crown should have a chamfer too. The only odd thing is the brackets off the rear stays?? Is the fork or frame drilled for brakes? Shoul be equiped with Schwinn Scripted Crankset, adjustable stem, Large flange hubs, torrington 4 stars.... The frame may clean up well enough to keep the finish. I just got down cleaning and "distressed" paramount and it turned out great with an old look freshened up. I have some NOS decals or they can be found at waterford.

 

[Rbu]

I have had the frame and most parts chromed and polished. Havent put it together since I am awaiting some Weigle frame preserver. The cranks are all schwinn scripted with Paramount printed on the sides of the crank arm. The tabs on the fork and seat stays are probably for fenders and would make this a touring paramount. The stem is adjustable and was not the major taylor type like I had thought. The pedals I am not sure of. I will try to send some new pics. later

 

[Rbu]

the fork has a hole for a front brake. The rear brake bridge has a hole vertically. I have a brake that bolts down into that hole. I have a new proper brooks saddle that I am going to use. Here are some pics after chroming.

The extra handlebar stem and bar was one of those extras. It looks interesting in that the bar is connected to the stem without a bolt. There are no markings. It has fenestrations where the stem goes around the bar. Any ideas?

 

[fatbike]

Very cool bicycle. Love old 30s and 40s track bikes!!!

 

[chitown]

Looks great. Except for the handlebar/stem shot that's out of focus. It's hard to see what you are referencing to.

Can't wait to see it put together. Thanks for sharing the build.

I've got to get one of these early racers some day.

 

[Rbu]

Sorry, Here are the shots of the stem that I was curious about. Also the brake bridge and brake. The stem is in the schwinn catalog as 2517B and the fork looks proper as a paramount touring fork #4339.

 

[Aeropsycho]

Back in the day...

In 1982 I had very similar Paramount the two brackets are for fender braces the forks that I had, had brackets too they were about 2-3 inches from the bottom someone told me that the 6 day racers had fenders...? well I sold it to a co-worker, I new I would regret it... Nice Bike! Build it! Ride IT!

 

[Pauliemon]

Oh great!

Ya know I never wanted one of these things until now. That is sweet. I'd like to show up to the Saturday river ride on that.