[CR] Hetchins Keyhole refinish, or no

(Example: Framebuilding:Tubing:Falck)

Date: Fri, 21 May 2010 21:26:02 -0700 (PDT)
From: "John Siemsen" <velorosso@flash.net>
To: Classic Rendezvous <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: [CR] Hetchins Keyhole refinish, or no


Beautiful refinish Tony, and the black plus drillium, plus panels of red.

But I'd also say that I wouldn't have refinished it (though I couldn't see all in your images). While chipped and scratched, what an interesting scheme it had! But that's just me - have a couple perfectly refinished bikes, some very well preserved originals, but also some scrappy originals that I don't want to refinish.

John Siemsen Portland, Oregon

Message: 13 Date: Fri, 21 May 2010 06:42:03 -0700 (PDT) From: Anthony Taylor <ajft1942@yahoo.com> Subject: [CR] 1970 hetchins Keyhole refurbishment To: Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Message-ID: <448628.57719.qm@web84102.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

All,

With all the traffic about frame refinishers lately, I thought I would share some pictures of my latest project.

It is a 1970 Hetchins Keyhole model. I bought it on ebay about a year ago. It came from California. With the unique paint scheme, I had hoped to be able to ride it as-is, but when I got it I realised that was not going to be the case. I believe that the bike is original, because all the small parts appeared not to have been touched, but I have no way of proving it. However, my plan was to rebuild it with the compnents it came with.

I stripped it down to the last fastener, and cleaned, polished, lubede and rebuilt all the components. I researched refinishers, and settled on Franklin Frame in Ohio. I chose the color scheme to compliment the compnents, and because I thought it was appropriate to the period.

I must say, I could not be happer with the outcome. I finished it last week, and haven't had a chance to ride it yet. Can't wait!

Pictures at http://www.flickr.com/photos/14838028@N02/sets/72157624106596912/

My next project is a 1955 Hetchins EC refurbishment.

I welcome your comments or questions.

Tony Taylor
Manchester NH