Bob Hillery wrote:
> Recent listing that may not yet have been 'outed' here"
> A '72 Harry Quinn frame & fork, item # 290363542493
>
> I don't know anything about HQ other than what I've read here & on the CR site, but it is in my size & I've got a couple questions:
> 1. Seller says it's been clear coated to preserve decals - mmm, I could make an argument either way and not sure which side I'd settle on, keep it original or hey, good idea to keep look protected without color touch up, etc. ... guess that's not a "question" as I'm pretty sure I'll get both viewpoints, and those more vehement at either end of the spectrum ;-)
As far as I know, clearcoating was not the standard method to finish bicycle frames back in the day. That's very evident from the fragmented and dilapidated state of the decals one finds on bikes with original paint from that era. Clearcoating became necessary for automotive paint when environmental concerns led to dull water based finishes. It was probably the high end U.S. custom frame builders who started using clearcoat on bikes. So, while clearcoating vintage frames may not be period correct, in my opinion it's a very good idea, unless your idea of "patina" includes fragmented and scratched decals. -- John Betmanis Woodstock, Ontario Canada