The votes on how I should proceed with my new-to-me Paramount are in, and the winning plan is to modify it to make it rideable, but save all parts so it can be restored. Way behind in second place was the recommendation to touch not a single nut, as art must be preserved. The joker who suggested spreading the rear to 130mm and installing a Sora Grouppo has been put on the bad karma list. They never last long, once they get on the bad karma list.
To further this project, I will need either a suitable freewheel or a vintage triple crank. Trying to do this the easy way first, does anyone have or know who has an ultra six spaced freewheel, 14x30 or 32 for sale? I already have a suitable Shimano Crane GS rear derailleur. I would rather avoid spreading the rear triangle, so as to preserve the excellent large flange, straight skewer rear hub.
And for those who kindly asked, photos of both the bike and selected goodies from Wayne Cyclery in Grand Island can be viewed at
http://photos.yahoo.com/
Do check out the stars & stripes Benotto. Was this a common paint scheme? Who imported them?
Tom Adams, Kansas City