Steve,
The clearcoated frame "trick" is something that framebuilders would do for "show" bikes. I believe the trend was started by Benotto a long time ago at a bike show. These finishes are not meant to last beyond the show period by anyone who knows what happens. If you look at some of the photos Dale Brown took of my Baylis frames at the 1982ish NY Bike show you will see a frame that was clearcoated and decaled for this purpose. I took the bike home after that and painted it normal, knowing full well if you sold it to somebody it would be a rustbucket in no time.
I do know of a method that does seem to have a rather long lifespan and is also quite durable; but considering what happened the last time I tried to pass on "inside" information to the list, I'm holding this card close to my vest. If someone is really curious I might let them in on it depending on who it is. But generally speaking, it is a finish that is for "show" as opposed to "go".
Brian Baylis
La Mesa, CA
>
> A friend of a friend is trying to learn a bit more about a Masi he
> bought in the late 1970's. He actually bought 2 Masis at that time, one
> for club riding and one for touring. It's the racer we're interested
> in. He's told me the serial number as seen on the BB shell is MC57 0550
> and that he bought the bike in late 1977 from Ridgewood Cycle, a shop
> still in existence here and one that I use from time to time.
>
> One thing that he piqued my curiosity was when I asked him what sort of
> shape it was is, particularly the paint and whether or not that paint
> was original. He replied (please note the opinions are his, not mine!):
>
> > Frame was clear coated by Mario Confente to show off his soldering skill but
> > coating began flaking and the bike was repainted by Masi or Medici in
> > California within a couple of years. Black paint, yellow paint on lug
> > cutouts, yellow paint inside holes on brake levers(!), eight "Masi" decals, a
> > "Mario Confente" signature decal on top tube.
>
> As someone who had a clear-coated only bike built for him a few years
> ago, then had the same experience with it, I appreciate what happened,
> but I wasn't aware that such a finish was ever done back then. I would
> appreciate any further light anyone could shed on this subject for me -
> I wonder if such a paint job might be considered 'original' given who
> did it and when....
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Steve "no, it's not my size and, no, it's not currently for sale"
> Freides
>
> in Ridgewood, the restaurant capital of Bergen County, NJ