Hi,
Thought I'd come out of lurk mode w/a couple of questions. I recently acquired a 1970 Mondia Super frameset. I had been looking around for an old 531 frame to build up as a randonneur/sport tourer. Part of this plan was to paint it a certain color, etc, w/no regard to decals, etc. Anyhow, since acquiring this, I'm wondering whether I should rather just restore the existing paint/decals, since these and the chrome plating are in terrific shape. I guess I'm a little worried that me stripping this down and repainting it could be an act of defacement perpetrated by an uninformed boob. I know that this is not a sought after nor collectible item, but still, my spidey senses are tingling a little. Opinions?
A couple of other questions:
1) BB is French threaded. Given the limited choices for French BB's, is it a good idea to get this reamed and rethreaded Italian so I can have greater latitude in BB selection? How much does something like this cost? Who can do this reliably?
2) Real dumb question: I see the occasional NOS/Used Campy French BB (in addition to new Phil Wood or TA). Will these only accept a Campy spindle?
3) What do people think of/have experience with TA loose ball BB?
4) BB has no drain hole/opening - is it a good idea to create one? Frame is fully chrome plated, as far as I can tell.
Probably more to come later. Appreciate any comments on these.
Thanks,
Jay