Re: [CR]Thanks was: Paint Advice Needed

(Example: Production Builders:Peugeot:PY-10)

Date: Thu, 3 Nov 2005 06:46:30 -0800 (PST)
From: "Thomas Adams" <thomasthomasa@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [CR]Thanks was: Paint Advice Needed
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
In-Reply-To: <003401c5e07a$e46a70a0$6400a8c0@hq.matchdev.com>


Just to be contrarian, and with full respect for varying opinions:

I tend to feeel that any frame that is starting to show rust should be repainted as a matter of proper maintenance (if the ride is nice enough to warrant the money). To me, the original paint is the least important aspect of a frame. Continental frames were famous for finishes that chip, peel and rust, because, I suppose, the makers intended the finish to last only a few years. A racer would get a new frame, and everyone else would have their frames repainted on a regular basis. I recall an earlier posting that Herse expected their frames to return regularly for a respray and revisions for the latest components. The only reason to conserve old finishes as a class is so we can see how bad they were. English frames are, of couse, an exception (sometimes).

Unless this is a historically significant bike (like Freddy Maerten's Colnago that Brett Horton showed at Pasadena), or a team issue in team colors, or has Fausto's personal sweat/rust on the TT, paint away if you wish. The frame will then be "better" than new, given the quality work of modern painters, and we can better appreciate the more important aspects of the frame. Not "worth more", only "better" in the totally subjective eye of this beholder.

Note that this opinion is only concerned with the philosophical implications. If you're thinking about market value, never remove an original finish. Any repainted bike is worth less than the same bike with the original paint, almost without regard to how bad the original paint is. And (almost) no repaint ever increases the value of a bike more than the cost of the work done. This isn't home improvement, where a $2000 deck adds $4000 to the sales price.

Tom (paintin' fool) Adams, Shrewsbury NJ

Robert Cohen <rcohen@ameritech.net> wrote: I wanted to thank the list members who replied to my query.

If anyone cares, I think I'll be conserving the frame's finish where I can, and sanding down to the metal, priming and respraying in the few spots where I can get away with it while still having aesthetically pleasing results.

Thanks again for the thoughtful replies and insights.

Cheers, Rob Cohen, Cleveland Ohio

-----Original Message----- From: classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org [mailto:classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org] On Behalf Of Kendra Coatney Sent: Tuesday, November 01, 2005 7:17 PM To: BobHoveyGa@aol.com Cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: Re: [CR]Paint Advice Needed

Bob Hovey wrote:

*Speaking for myself, I've found it has been surprisingly easy to get used to, and to even enjoy, the marks that the passing years leave on our vintage machines, whether it was I or a previous owner who put them there.*

I agree. I could tell a story about some of the the scratches on my Masi an d the other dings and s cratches, I wonder who put them there and how (same with my way off-topic old Land Cruiser). Having a perfect bike would make m e nervous to put the first scratch on it. I have been contemplating whether or not I should repaint my Masi after being hit by a van in August. For now, it is my "commuter" and it still rides like a dream even all scratched up! I think I might leave it "as is" and buy a (near) perfect Masi next summer at the Cirque (So someone please bring a stock of 54cm Masi's)! :) We'll see how my opinion changes about "enjoying the scratches" when I actually have a pretty pretty bike. Kendra Coatney Seattle, WA

On 11/1/05, BobHoveyGa@aol.com wrote:
> Rob;
>
> With all due respect to Kim, owning a bike does indeed make it technicall y
> yours, but there is also an element of stewardship one should consider when
> contemplating a repaint. Not just in the interest of maintaining its monetary
> value (repainted bikes are seldom worth as much) but in the interest of future
> owners and bike afficionados who might never get to see the product of a
> particular builder if everyone decides to refurbish them to their own tastes.
>
> You are the one who will probably have to make the ultimate decision, of
> whether the bike's paint is too far gone to save and if the bike's nice enough or
> rare enough to be worth your time saving it (paying a pro to touch up and
> preserve old paint while saving the original decals can sometimes be more
> expensive than a repaint, as a few folks on this list can probably tell you).
>
> The more conservative listmembers will also probably tell you that they place
> a higher value on a bike that is original but less "pretty" (i.e., left
> alone, or the rust spots dabbed with a bit of touchup paint as many "non-collector"
> owners are prone to do in the course of a bike's lifetime) than one that has
> a specatacular repaint and reproduction decals.
>
> Once a bike's structural and preservation needs are met (in other words,
> ensuring that your rust does not progress), it is much a matter of taste. Nobody
> passed a law saying a bike has to look like the photo in the catalog.
> Speaking for myself, I've found it has been surprisingly easy to get used to,
> and to even enjoy, the marks that the passing years leave on our vintage
> machines, whether it was I or a previous owner who put them there.
>
> Bob Hovey
> Columbus, GA
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> >
> > Hi Rob,
> >
> > if you're meaning to sell the bike; do what you want. It always depends on
> > the price you will be asking if a buyer bites.
> > If you want to keep the bike; do what you want, it's your's. It's not a s if
> > you ask your neighbor which pants to wear
> >
> > ride on,
> > kim
> >
> >
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
>

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