I have read all the posts re, repaint (?Respray)etc. It is now 2009 that means that a most of the bikes that I have are at least 50+ years old, NOT to mention that they,in most cases have been riden who know how many?thousand miles and in all kinds of weather (BRIT weather), Some of my frames have had a transfer "Rustproofed by a SPECIAL? process" BUT what problems lurk beneath the surface? MY thoughts are, IF you OR the futurs owner?are hoping to still have,say 50years from now?ANYTHING left of the machine, You HAVE to strip the bloody thing NOW to the bare metal, remove any and all rust?and imperfections, THEN repaint (Spray) with a finish that is up to TODAY'S best standards,USING TODAY'S High tech materials? This is of course assuming that you are going to use the bike for the purpose it was intended AND BUILT?for?TO RIDE and NOT to hang on the wall like some trophy you bumped off on a safari. The thicker the paint and the clear coat THE BETTER,?Preserve the finish as BEST you can, WHO needs a rust bucket, want to hit a bump in the road and have the bottom bracket FALL OFF! ? Want to Win the prize for the "BEST CRUMMY BUT ORIGINAL?FINISH?BIKE "??of the?show? Who cares if it is shinny?and?glossy and not like it was 50+ years ago.AT LEAST NOW it??SHOULD last ANOTHER 50yrs so that the next?generation can get some us out of it? PRESERVE AND RESTORE like Jan said,?Like the vintahe car guys do. Cheers John Crump Old&IDOneedrestoringBrit.Paker.Co USA