I just purchased an Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra frame off eBay.
It is reported to be from the "mid-80s". I'd like to determine more about it.
The frame was probably a custom build, due to its large size. It 66cm ctc, with a 61.5cm top tube. It is white with chrome chain stays and a chrome fork. The fork has a sloping crown. It is made of Columbus SLX tubing and has internal rear brake cable routing.
The seller says that when he bought it it had Dura Ace components, other than a Campagnolo headset. He does not know if these were original.
Under the bottom bracket it is stamped with an "L" and a "B" on opposite sides of the bottom of the shell. Under the "B" is stamped "3709". I presume this is the serial number.
The paint and chrome are in poor condition, so, depending on how bad it is (I know this is sacrilegious on this list, so I hesitate to admit it), I may need to repaint the frame before I build it up.
Here are my questions:
1) What year was this frame made? 2) What equipment would have been on it originally? 3) What frame colors were available at that time? 4) Are replacement decals available?
I hope someone can help.
David (hope it really is my size) White
Burlington, VT