Re: [CR]Flying Scot Dilema

(Example: Component Manufacturers:Avocet)

From: "flying_scot" <flying_scot@btopenworld.com>
To: "Hetchinspete" <vze4k5n6@verizon.net>, <Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
References: <20031229003822.YWKJ16040.out005.verizon.net@outgoing.verizon.net>
Subject: Re: [CR]Flying Scot Dilema
Date: Mon, 29 Dec 2003 07:40:53 -0000


Thanks for the contact Peter,

I'm not sure professional restorers are necessarilly the way to go in this case. I've used two - M.Steels and Bob Jackson's in the past - count 15 now since the last one in August - and with a tentative enquiry, none of them will touch a full re-chrome with the proverbial barge pole, quoting pinholes - your liability etc.etc. The Scottish cynic in me says they see it as a low profit job with the distinct lack of paint, they're bread and butter, though they are probably correct. I'd rather work with a professional plater direct, as it concerns me how the customers "needs" too often get lost in the translation by the time it gets to the plater from the "restorer". I'm not putting down British cycle restorers, they do a good job for what you pay however they've still a lot to learn in dealing with customers needs and perceptions of what they will get for it (I'd rather pay more for "correct", than a lesser price for "near enough").

I'll contact Cleveland and see what they say and thanks to all for the info so far.

Bob Reid
Stonehaven
Scotland


----- Original Message -----
From: Hetchinspete
To: flying_scot


<Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org> Sent: Monday, December 29, 2003 12:38 AM Subject: Re: [CR]Flying Scot Dilema


> Bob; I'd contact Bob Jackson, Argos or Cleveland Bikespray in the UK as these are excellent cycle restorers and I'm sure they would be well connected with good quality plater. Below is Glen's contact information at Cleveland. Glen useto do only motorcycles and started doing bicycles a few years back. He came to me well recommended by a friend in the UK, and he's curently restoring my 1938 Hetchin's Anglo Continental. He is probably a good scource considering he works on motorcycles.
> Good luck with the project and have a good New thYears,
> Peter Naiman
> Boston, MA
>
>
> Cleveland Bike Spray
> Units 7&8
> Sailsport Industrial Estate
> Thornaby Road
> Stockton on Tees
> TS17 8AA
>
> Tel. 01642 616288
>
> Email : glen@clevelandbikespray.co.uk
>
>
> >
> > From: "flying_scot" <flying_scot@btopenworld.com>
> > Date: 2003/12/28 Sun PM 07:02:59 EST
> > To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
> > Subject: [CR]Flying Scot Dilema
> >
> > Soliciting views and advice !
> >
> > I've a 1937 Flying Scot
> > http://www.flying-scot.co.uk/frame_pages/frame_3638.html, that's all-chrome,
> > well that is, it was all chrome, much of it badly scratched or marked, and
> > in places rubbed away to the nickle base but apart from a minor dent on the
> > top tube, has no damage nor any serious rust. The problem I have is how to
> > restore the original chrome finish. It's unfortunate that it's too far gone
> > to call it "patina" so I'd like to have it re-chromed in preference to
> > having it re-painted.
> >
> > Has anyone on the list ever had a frame re-chromed ? - From what I can find
> > out the platers remove the old chrome by reversing the plating process,
> > causing the old plating to literally disappear, then the frame obviously has
> > to be repolished, and then re-plated, and that the biggest problem lies in
> > polishing the frame to required standard a second time round.
> >
> > I've heard of frames ending up with pinholes in the tubes and other damage
> > but I'm interested to hear from anyone whose managed it succesfully and the
> > likely pitfalls. This frame isn't going to end up a rider, but purely a
> > indulgent period-accurate replication of the original build, to which I'm
> > getting the original art-deco stylised transfers made for. Of course there
> > is the option of getting only the fork ends, the stays, the headtube and
> > fork crown re-chromed, with considerably less risk and having the rest of
> > the frame painted, but the thought of getting it totally re-chromed is
> > somewhat appealing.
> >
> > Am I completely mad, or is there a possibility it can be done without the
> > inherrent risks involved ? Any of the British 'Listees' Hilary, Mick,
> > anybody ? know of a sympathetic and understanding plater.
> >
> > Bob Reid
> > Stonehaven
> > Scotland
> >
> > http://www.flying-scot.co.uk (mapped)