David,
The serial number should be stamped above the "MC58" stuff on the tang of the BB shell socket above the oval cutout. If there isn't one then it may have been a bike that belonged to a Masi employee or something, or it's buried in paint.
The water bottle bossed are definitely NOT original, most especially with the diamond plate under them.
What date did Marilyn Allen give for the frame? They aren't really up on that stuff like I am and they weren't there, I was. The first batch of Masi GCs (25 frames per [size] batch) were 57cm frames and were completed just about Nov. 1973 (I started on Nov.28, 1973 if I recall the date correctly) and the first frames were pretty much being finished up. BTW, the first 25 57cm GCs had a serial number system that was too complex and was dropped after the first 25 frames. (OK, now everyone can start looking for those first 25 frames; I'll tell you if you find one, I'm not going to help anyone fake one).
The lack of the word "Milano" on Dales headbadge is because someone cut it out of the decal before application to the frame, could have been me. We did that for a short time in the early days because we weren't in Milano. I don't know if that went on at other times or not. Didn't last long when we were doing it. No point in it in my opinion.
The George Fisher(sp?) sandcast BB shells came into usage right after the disapperence of the Nervex BB shells on Masi Specials (about 1963 or 64) and lasted until the introduction of the investment cast BBs somewhere in the 1976/77 period. The IC lugs appeared first and the more complex BB casting followed some time after. Many (if not all) of the Eisentraut built GCs have IC lugs and GF bracket shells.
In the early days of Masi (pre introduction of the 3V) there was only one model. First the Special (very early ones I understand were labled "speciale" or something similar) and then the GC, introduced in 1970. In the early days of Masi California there are only Gran Criteriums or track frames that simply said "Masi". Just chop off all the extra crap for that decal.
Technically, in 1977 there was a "one off" frame I built for myself out of Columbus Record tubing (discussed earlier this month I think) which was labled "Masi Record". I still have a picture of it. Again, RICHIE, still know where that frame is; I'd really like to get it back!
Did I answer everything? Ready when you are for the next barrage of questions. Send me a stumper or something.
Brian(the teaser)Baylis
you know where I live
>
> The Masi GC arrived today. The photo on ebay didn't do the color justice,
> very nice candy green. Most of the components seem to be of the correct
> vintage, although not sure about the brakes. I looked for a serial number,
> but it doesn't have one, just the MC58 near the down tube tab on the bb
> shell. It also has the +GF+. From the Masi ID page on Dale's site, it looks
> like one of the first 200 made. Of course, nothing is perfect, as the
> previous owner added brazed on shifters and something called a chain
> hanger(?). He also had the brake mounting holes drilled to use allen bolts.
> The bike also has brazed on top tube cable guides that can't be original
> because of the absolutely sloppy job. No attempt was made to file the excess
> brazing material. The bike also has brazed on bosses for a water bottle
> cage. These, however, look original. They have the same concave diamond
> shape as the brake bridge and chain stay brace. They could be add-ons, but
> they look like they belong. The painter left off some decals and got the
> down tube decal crooked. The head tube badge is like the one on Dale's Masi,
> however, under the word Masi is the word "Milano". The decals were ordered
> by the previous owner in 1989 from The Cyclesmiths of San Marcos, CA. I have
> a letter from Marilyn Allen giving the owner the date of the bike.
> Now some questions, What is the earliest Masi started making frames in
> Calif? How long did the +GF+ bottom bracket shells last? Did Masi
> California only make Gran Crtieriums or were there other models? Can the
> water bottle cage bosses be original?
> Okay, I'll give you all a break for now until I can think of more questions.
>
> David Goerndt