My opinions interspersed below.
Charlie
Charles T. Young
Honeybrook. PA
> 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?
Unless the finish is really pasted, just clean and, if necessary touch up
carefully. There are other more "garden variety" frames out there that could
be repainted and pressed into service in accordance with your plan. Mondias
are not that common... Many others would probably better suited to
randonneur/sport touring use with regard to frame geometry and braze-ons.
>
> 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?
The choices aren't that limited, just a bit expensive unless you happen on a
good deal. More below...
> 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?
Probably best to use a Campagnolo or Campagnolo clone with these but I don't
think that is a hard and fast rule.
>
> 3) What do people think of/have experience with TA loose ball BB?
Top notch for loose ball BBs. Attractive and long running. Spindles (in a
variety of lengths) and other bits are still available through Harris and
others.
>
> 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.
It has lasted this long without holes as have many other framesets.
Framesaver it before building up if you are concerned about water. If it
gets really wet usage, pull the seatpost and allow it to dry after such
occasions.
>
> Probably more to come later. Appreciate any comments on these.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jay