re: [CR]Motobecane Grand Record

(Example: Production Builders:Peugeot)

Date: Wed, 10 Aug 2005 17:42:23 -0500
From: "L Travers" <lat7575@swbell.net>
Organization: CV-6 Enterprises
To: sasimon@twcny.rr.com
Subject: re: [CR]Motobecane Grand Record
cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org

>
>
>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(!!!)
>
>

This was about the time I bought a Grand Touring and shorly after, my Lejeune. I wanted a top of the line Moto real bad. I recall the Le Champion model being in silver with black pinstriping. But IIRC, Le Champion had all Campy, including brakes. You do not mention cranks...that would probably be the determining factor.
>#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?
>
>

Check with Jerry Moos (on the list). He had some French 531 decals made up. Very nice. If he cannot provide, I bought three sets and would probably part with one. There was also a set on eBuy recently. Both GR and LeC were full 531.
>
>#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?
>
> It is your bike, paint it as you see fit. Ask yourself what your goal is for the bike and go from there. I believe most painters can reproduce the decals you need. Check the archives for painter recommendations. I won't mention any names as I do not wish to inadvertently sligth anyone of our fine members who are also frame painters/restorers. But I will say there are no slouches among them.
>Any feedback, direction, recommended painters, etc, appreciated.
>
>Steve Simon
> I am sure there are other who can expand on this more.

If you decide it is too much for you to handle, drop me a line. :-)

--
Lynn Travers
Hazelwood, MO