I think that there is no clear cut answer here. My rule of thumb is, if the paint is shot and I mean shot, and decals are gone, re-spray. But that is my thing. And it is right for me. But not for everyone.
Mike Schmidt Stirling, NJ Sent via BlackBerry from Cingular Wireless
-----Original Message----- From: Jack Gabus <jack_gabus@yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 4 Jan 2007 13:50:50 To:CR <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org> Subject: [CR]Here we go again ...Restore or not to restore
Charles Wrote:
"How you restore or preserve these very old bikes without ruining them is something of a puzzle. Of course, everyone's different, and some people love a nice, shiny new paint-job, to the point where that alone is enough. But with these very old bikes, it seems like keeping the mojo and making them like-new are mutually exclusive goals."
I am usually a go along to get along guy but this subject always get under my skin. Restoring is not a puzzle it is a passion! It also teaches one the greatest amount of patience which most of us in this time of instant gratification have little time for.
Also if a frame is totally beat to a pulp and it can be saved from the trash heap of history one should give it a go. This may be the "Save the frames" instinct in me. Regarding "mojo" I think getting the old relics back to riding shape bring good "karma" to the owner. I think one of the best I can point out are Eddie Albert's Malvern Star's. They are true to the way they came off the showroom floor.
I also have frames that have the so called "Patina from the Bike gods" and they speak to me also. but from where I sit someone who has taken the patience and time to save an old war horse from it's ignominious demise. So much the better.
Sorry Charlie "Patina" is not the end all to be all. See you at the Colnago ride on my Patina'ed green 72' Nago.
Respectfully
Jack
Is Patina dead?
Jack (Giacomo) GabusLaguna Beach, CA jack@shermangabus.com http://www.wooljersey.com/
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