A Masi in original condition came with either a soldered or leaded cable end that was painted the same bright yellow as other detailing on the bike. Such a small point much impressed me. When you are hand making something for a living by your own rules, that requires neat technique and ornamentation to the full extent of your abilities and extension of effort, it is a rather exhaustive, and in many cases, stressful process. One can possibly "shine on" the last touches and not be accused of doing a less than credible job. Taking it "all the way" requires heart and perseverance.....commitment. The bike wasn't perfect in it's details, but still the meaningful good sentiment was apparent. As a maker of things as well, It was meaningful to me anyway.
Dennis Young
Speaking of extension of effort, better get to it in Hotaka, Japan
> Dennis Young wrote:
>
> That stuff they sell for coating tool handles, I think it is
> referred to as liquid latex....? It might be a good way to coat
> cable ends. Just keep dipping until it builds up, like a candle
> maker. One can of the product should last generations if kept in
> the frige.
> ++++++++++++++++++
> Dennis -
> to me, this approach should lead to a handsome result that almost
> defeats the reason I use solder. My goal is to prevent cable end
> fraying, so once a year (in theory) I can pull all the cables out
> of their (unlined) casings and regrease them. And then reuse the
> cables. If I use enough heat, I get no bead at the end. So, I'm
> prepared to work harder to be cheap...
> Along the same lines, it was one of the nice features of the early
> 70s Paramounts, which used interrupted cables. the top tube cable
> stops were split, so you could loosen the brake and slide the
> housing off the stops. Made it easy to lubricate w/o complete
> disassembly.
>
> But, heck, there's many a way to skin the cat (as they used to say
> down home).
>
> harvey sachs
> mcLean va.