Jeff, I'd offer two thoughts: 1) Since it isn't really rare, you say, do what you darned well please. What will make you happy? 2) Just don't think you can make a killing by doing a repaint. Refinishing a bike, in my experience, can bring great pleasure, but rarely makes economic sense when the existing paint is original.
harvey sachs mcLean va. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Jeff Pyzyk wrote: I am currenty making a decision whether to re-paint a 1981 Colnago Mexico. The frame is Saronni red with original decals and paint. The top tube and left rear stay have a lot of scratches. There is a faint unfaded area where a decal with the rider's name "Antonio" was on the top tube, but has since been removed. The paint has faded slightly with areas under the tubes more deeply red than the tops of the tubes.
Issues to consider: 1) Does the newer vintage, relatively high production, and ability to perfectly match Saronni red on a Colnago Mexico make repainting this frame not quite as severe a measure as doing so on an older and more rare a marque like a Rene Herse or Hetchins?
2) Does touching up a frame like this still keep it "honest" and "transparent"? or is it better to keep it "as-is" scars and all?
3) Does restoration or replacement of worn components compromise "honesty" and "transparency". For example, replacing worn brake pads with original Campagnolo, Replacing worn cables, replacing the original Regina Extra Record chain with an new one, replacing the original Regina Oro freewheel with a new one, polishing a scratched seat post, polishing an original Mexico (non-anodized) crank, replacing bar tape with period correct tape, re-plating worn or pitted chrome, etc.
I could easily make this bike look like it was sitting on the showroom floor in 1981 or leave it looking worn and used. What to do??