[CR]Motobecane Grand Record

(Example: Framebuilders:Cecil Behringer)

From: "Steve Simon" <sasimon@twcny.rr.com>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Wed, 10 Aug 2005 17:54:47 -0400
Subject: [CR]Motobecane Grand Record

I've been riding what I know is a 1972+/- Motobecane, and I believed the model to be a Grand Record, since 1973 when I bought it used from a racer in college. I changed the rear to give me some climbing gears and just rode it, until last year when I broke down and bought a Moser steel frame bike with all the nice new stuff on it. So now I would like to consider restoring the Moto.

Problem #1: Due to some abuse and neglect, most of the decals are gone, including the Grand Record label. What I have read here says the GR was distinctive black and red, but mine is silver/black. Any feedback on this? What other clues to the model? I have all the original Campy NR derailers and shifters (the rear has been in a bag for over 30 years and looks new), but some of the cable clamps are rusty. The brakes are Mafac Racer (original, but levers replaced with generic 10 yrs ago). The seat was a Brooks, which I kept for years and then in some over ambitious barn cleaning it got tossed(!!!)

#2: I know it was Reynolds 531, because for years that decal was intact, but now gone. Can these be had, and does it clue in the bike model?

#3: Would a quality paint job HAVE to be in the original colors to be legit, or am I allowed some artistic license in the world of classics? Are accurate decals available?

Any feedback, direction, recommended painters, etc, appreciated.

Steve Simon