Robb,
Obviously, there is no "right" answer to your question to the extent that each individual will perceive your modifications through the filter of their personal paradigm. From my own perspective, I do not care one whit about whatever you may or may not choose to do to your own bike, simply because IT IS YOUR BIKE AND NOT MINE. Indeed, if your particular interpretation suits your needs, then I believe that you did the "right thing". And if your situation changes wherein that is no longer the case, then YOU AND ONLY YOU have the wherewithal to modify said bike in an appropriate fashion so as to better accommodate your new circumstance. Of course, you would also have the option to forgo further effort by offering the bike for sale to someone else. Only then will your personalization have any bearing beyond that of your own perspective to the extent that the aforementioned modifications may influence, one way or another, those monies offered in exchange for your bicycle based upon a prospective buyer's own unique paradigm.
Robert "...relativity - it's not just for scientists anymore-" Broderick ...the "Frozen Flatlands" of South Dakota Sioux Falls, USA (...roughly 60 miles due South of Brookings)
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>From: Robb Rasmussen <okmain@hotmail.com>
>To: John Barron <jb@velostuf.com>, <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
>Subject: RE: [CR]Epiphany-Revelation
>Date: Sat, 11 Nov 2006 23:21:16 +0000
>
> So, John.
>
> That brings up a question I have been wanting to discuss with Classic
>Rendezvous people
> I bought a 1974 Schwinn Paramount in 1986 from a friend who was the
>original owner.
> She had raced it in Colorado and in fact had won the women's race against
>the train,
>( I used to know the name.) the Durango to Silverton ??. on it in 1985.
>She was racing
>on the Schwinn (off topic) mountain bike team at that time and needed the
>money.
>Schwinn had repaired and repainted the frame because she was on the team
>and it had been
>dented, and sorely used. I rode it with the 74 vintage components until
>93 when the
>bottom bracket collapsed. Schwinn (at Waterford under Marc Mueller)
>replaced
>the BB, the seat tube, and I had them put a full braze-on group on it. They
>put
>period correct Schwinn Paramount decals on it and it is still gorgeous.
>I put off topic 93 Campy Chorus components on it, rode it once for 20 miles
>and hung
>it up. It has been on display ever since, and I have felt quilty for
>ruining
>a classic frame by putting braze-ons and new components on it.
>Or did I ruin it? It has stunning paint, and I love the chrome Nervex
>lugwork.
>
>Did I do so wrong?
>
> Robb Rasmussen
> Sioux River Bicycles & Fitness 501 Main Ave
> Brookings, SD 57006