Hi listers, It's amazing what can happen regarding being on this 'list'......a month ago I hinted that I would like a Bianchi Specialissima frame.....now, a month on I am the proud owner of such a frame [infact bike]......thanks to Brian May, a lister perhaps best described as a 'lurker'.
Anyway, I have a question to the Bianchi 'Specialissima' connoisseur's out there.......Otis, Brett, Bob etc......
As my frame has been stripped of any paint it obviously requires a paint job, the original chrome is very good on the forks, and the headlugs is also good..........but the chrome rear end, and on the seat tube has lost it's shine and is quite dull.........it might polish up, but not so sure, so I could choose to have it rechromed......but I am a bit wary of having a previously chromed frame rechromed?.......apart from the cost, it is from what I've been told not such a good idea?..
I believe it would first have to be de-chromed by stripping the existing chrome from it, before the new chrome can be applied?.......luckily the chrome platers I know of are very good at taking great care with vintage bike stuff [I've just had my Cinellis stem and other bits rechromed] but even so I'm thinking maybe best not to bother, and to simply paint over the dull chrome........
So here's my question.......is it so important to recreate the look of an original 1964 Specialissima, which from the photos I've seen all seem to have chromed headlugs, fork crown, and front and rear ends, along with multi panels on the seat tube.?............
yes, its nice to retain the period look, and if it's presented in the condition of Otis's fine example even better, but I'm thinking my frame would look rather nice if I kept the good chrome at the front of the frame.....but then had it painted 'Celeste', and in place of the chrome multi panels on the seat tube have panels in a dark blue, along with a dark blue head tube, then fit the period decals courtesy of Greg Softley.
The bike will then be 'period correct' by fitting the original 151 Record chainset, Con Sfere 3/16" bottom bracket, Record gears, Mod 61 brakes.......etc etc.........But would I be commiting a 'sin' by not having it finished EXACTLY AS IT ONCE WAS!........[it would be diferent!]
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Cheers Kevin Sayles
Bridgwater Somerset UK