Re: [CR]Masi Prestige questions...

(Example: Production Builders:Peugeot:PX-10LE)

Date: Thu, 09 Aug 2001 22:46:02 -0700
From: "Chuck Schmidt" <chuckschmidt@earthlink.net>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: Re: [CR]Masi Prestige questions...
References: <64.119c2c38.28a4bc5a@aol.com>


The longer you collect bikes the more you appreciate and cherish originality in a bike's decals and paint. There is an old saying in collecting, "You cannot replace originality."

"HI-FI" refers to the investment cast lugs, as in high fidelity to the original master (OK, I'm just guessing, but it sounds plausible, right?).

Contrasting paint applied in the pantographed cutouts was very common with Italian bikes in the late 60s to mid 70s. Also typically done to the kidney shaped holes in the Record chainrings and Record large flange hubs.

It was done on show bikes by the makers and by owners on their own bikes too. Originally done to prevent rust on drilled out steel bolts and parts because the bare metal was exposed. Top tube cable clamp screws would have paint dabbed on the ends after they were shortened to prevent rust.

Paint removal from flutes? Acetone or lacquer thinner with a Q-tip works for me. Personally I would keep the paint in the cutouts. Part of the charm of the period in my opinion!

Chuck Schmidt South Pasadena, Southern California http://www.velo-retro.com (reprints, Campagnolo Timeline and T-shirts)

M4Campy@aol.com wrote:
>
> Hi all-
>
> I just recently aquired a Masi Prestige reported to be 1975 with Campy Super
> Record cranks <5> and 77 rear der, no lip on the front der and with two
> different calipers, one with the flat qr and one with the bulb, etc... Levers
> are not SR and have the shield and diagonal lines and are internally routed
> but look like they can be router over the top too. C Record??? White hoods.
> Oh, of course the Masi is red!!! Decals all intact - great! Here is a link to
> pics taken by the seller...
>
> http://web.mo-net.it/beesone/masi.html
>
> For the most part the frame is in excellent structual condition and paint
> shows normal signs of wear with various nicks but it does have a nasty rust
> spot near the first cable guide.
>
> My questions are:
>
> The bottom bracket and the steerer tube has the marking RP 54. Any ideas on
> this??? I thought M for Italian Masi and sometimes a V for Verona was there
> as well.
>
> To refinish or not... When should one consider refinishing a frame? Loaded
> question I know. Honestly, although the paint has withstood the test of time
> except for that rust bubble but it isn't top notch.
>
> Finally, the flutes on the SR seatpost are color filled, the chainring
> 'windows' and the shift levers were cutout and color filled as well. Since
> this was before my time how was this done? Is this just paint added by the
> owner? Was it common practice? I have a pair of BCD 151 Pistas on my
> Holdsworth with the flutes on the spider filled too. What is the best way to
> remove the paint?
>
> Oh, one more. The headtube decal has HI-FI marked on it... What does that
> mean???
>
> Thanks in advance 2 all who respond;)
>
> Mike "Trying to make time to ride, dang job" Wilkinson