This issue of how much to restore has been taken up numerous times. There are different opinions, and for some, different approaches for each bike in the stable. My opinion is that first, the bike belongs to you, and you can do anything you want to it. Second, are you concerned with resale value or keeping them looking like newborns? These may be mutually exclusive. A bike in its original finish, even if banged up, is likely to be more valuable than a repainted one. This is particularly true for highly desirable big name bikes. Imagine two 1972 Cinelli SC's, one in original paint, and one that has been repainted. Even if the repaint has been done by a great painter, the original will probably command more at auction. It is kind of counter-intuitive, but choosing not to engage in a big repainting project can actually help the bike hold its value better.
A beautiful repaint is often expensive. When you buy that paint job your cost for the bike has risen. You may or may not be able to recoup that cost when you sell the bike. On the other hand, you will have a lovely bike that may be more resistant to damage because of the quality of the new paint job.
If you choose to repaint, I don't think it matters what kind of decals you use. The original paint job has some historic value. The repaint has only esthetic value (is it pretty?), and functional value (does it protect the frame?).
Personally I have no great desire to keep them looking like newborns. I am willing to let an old bike look like an old bike.
Best regards, Marcus Detroit, MI
Date: Sat, 7 Nov 2009 20:13:20 -0600 From: jim abt <jamesabt@charter.net> Subject: [CR] Finishing Frames and forks To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org> Message-ID: <FD36D233844A44819FCF676DA5D6F7E8@D7YXN561> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
I have the disease that a lot of us have because there is that "before" and "after" persona that always and forever makes my palm itch and my bank account scream UNCLE....I love tinkering with these beautiful pieces of machinery that we call bicycles but I also like to see them look like new even though they are a half a century old. We all know that they will never die....why not keep them looking like newborns? It is a steel "Fountain of youth".
Here is what becomes a problem....When I refurbish these frames I know that it is important to get as close to original as possible right down to the color of the base. The foil decals that were so common in the day....are virtually impossible to clear coat and/or wet sand so that I can apply a bomb proof finish so that when my Grandaughter wants to ride this bike in 14 years (lets see....three weeks old...ahh lets say 12 years....math....) she won't have to worry about so much as a touch up....a dry cloth dusting (if she can catch up to me riding it myself at age 68) and away she goes. Are vinyl decals a huge absolute NO in order to keep the value (or....with the new finish "appreciate" the value)or can I go with the vinyl decalds and make them exact in appearance? I suspect that this question is going to stir up a whole lot more value than the one about unisex bikes (myxed I think was the word) at least I hope it will. Seeya on the ride.
I hope this gets in and ok by the marshal
Jim Abt Wausau, Wi. USA
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