>I am at a crossroads in my cleanup of this PX-10. Do I conserve or
> restore? PX-10's are not uncommon, so do I restore (refinish)? I am
> open to hear the views of my fellow listers. View pics of the frame @
>
> http://s37.photobucket.com/
>
> Thanks for your input.
>
> Kerry Rapp
> Myerstown, Pennsylvania
> United States of America
Kerry:
White is among the easiest of paint colors to touch up and that is all your PX-10 requires. These were made to be ridden and to show some scarring as a result. Lug filing (if any) and frame finish were always on the spartan side with these and so doesn't call for a glossy thin Imron look. Save the dollars for a more needy and appropriate frame refinish - Lord knows one will come along... they always do.
Touch it up with some Testors enamel, build it up and ride it. While a previous owner did the touch up a bit crudely, this is exactly what I've done with my white PX-10. If anything, the PX-10s carry patina better than most. Transfers tend to fade gracefully rather than fly off like the Italian quick-release decals. I rode mine all this week to celebrate Le Tour and the great steel bikes of France's past.
Charlie Young
Honey Brook, Pennsylvania USA