Not my listing, but pick up a pair of these while you can. These shorter Schwinn block letter decals for the TT aren't as easy to find as the feather script used in other years.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Schwinn-Frame-Sticker-Decal-Pair-White-for-Bikes-Water-Application-6-75-x-1-in/282512867767?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
And for my sixpence, just powder it. You'll be looking at about $100 and you'll never have to worry about it again, especially if black was your color of choice. It's just a '79 Spit, not something overly collectible (still have the '79 I got a as a 6th grade graduation present and will be going through it this spring so I'm in the same boat) so just build it your way and love it all the more. Cover the bars with Grab-on, pop on some BMX forks and bunny pegs and it's off to the beach
If this were some pristine, unrestored, 'as-new' basement find yeah, preserve it, but that's not what your bike looks like to me. These are the Chevy small block of beach cruisers, a zillion of them out there, enjoy your build with no regrets.
My Jr. High work truck, circa 1981- (CBR forks and Team Schwinn cranks would find their way onto it soon after this pic, but I don't have a pic of it in the that configuration)
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