Charles Andrews wrote:
>
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> Note that repaints cut value as much as half, or more, on the open
> market--sometimes, not all the time--esp. repaints of the early bikes. And if
> the repaint is incorrect in any way, or less than flawless, value is reduced
> even further. Again, at this level, that kind of detail is huge.
Exactly right! It sounds counter intuitive to a new collector, but a repaint/restoration to a frame that usually runs between $600 and $1200 actually decreases the value of the bike to a long time collector! Seeing original paint, even with more than a few scratches, chips and a little rust, is still a welcome sight to a long time collector.
Resist the temptation to make that classic like new and learn to appreciate patina!!!
Chuck "getting a little patina myself" Schmidt SoPas, SoCal