e-RICHIE inquired... if this frame or one as rare as this is re-tubed owing to an accident, how is the value/ mojo/provenance affected? the same question goes for the fork if a new steerer is installed.... where are your bounderies on this issue?
Value- degraded, Mojo- reduced, Prefer herbs de provence...
Steerer replaced? Now I can relate to that directly, my mid '70 GC has a steerer bulge, found upon disassembly, disappointment yes, undisclosed yes, so test don't guess, jig fork- ok, install new headset, spins well no tight spot- good, ride yep, gots the feel. If the bulge had been lower and or the headset binding, new fork in order- made to look as close to original as possible. I've seen the surgery, its too hot for me.
Another GC, Milan '73, bike arrives with one fork blade tweaked forward 1cm, redress? Not worth the time or logistics, jig fork, devise the plan, make the tools, straighten, rides well, disclose IF I sell, yes, I like to look in the mirror without guilt. Lesson, never let them use a plastic fork tip spacer a second time. Wood & tape never seem to fail.
Old bikes generally collect incidents, some show.
Related topic- modificati
Owned and early 57cm Carlsbad GC, #1S9, took it to Carlsbad for new color in 1975, wanted shifter bosses, no problem, paint the fork crown? They complied reluctantly. Were surprised how much they liked the result. When I picked up the frame I was shown how they had refiled the BB and head lugs, they HAD to have removed the cable guides to do this. Mario was quite proud of the results, Gian related that he was not happy with the lack of filing on the early frames and set this one right. Did not ask for this effort, it just got done. (Stolen just over a year later).
Perhaps not all mods are bad, some are even endorsed.
John Jorgensen Palos Verdes Ca.
Heal fast Chuck