Hi Jeff
I also am new to CR list having enrolled only last week.
However, I am 62 years old and have been into the collecting, restoration and cycling (with limitations) of post WWII frames and cycling for over 20 years now.
I have an extensive collection (amongst a lot of others) of Dawes literature and can reliably confirm that your model certainly appears to be a 49/50 generation model. Especially by the location of Cyclo derailleur change lever and the GB Hiduminium brakes etc. In fact the 'hybrid' SA and derailleur gearing is most sort after here now in the UK.
In my opinion, you correctly quote the view that that are no 'hard and fast rules' regarding refurbishments of frames. Each to their own. However, as yours has clearly been repainted already, it will do no harm whatsoever to future values by redoing it in your own choice of colour.
If I can offer any help or advice in the future please get in touch directly.
Regards
Derek Athey
Honiton, Devon UK
On Mon, Apr 26, 2010 at 6:25 PM, <a1scargo@aol.com> wrote:
>
> I am brand new to this board and have been looking for quite some time a
> site that caters to the vintage lightweights. I was referred here by a
> friend and the format to a site like this is all new to me. I am 37 years
> old and have always loved the style and uniqueness of the early bikes or
> anything vintage for that matter! I guess I was born in the wrong era. I
> have no desire to own a modern bike as I few they just don't have the allure
> that a quality vintage bike. I don't know exactly how to put it into words
> though. I am not interested in attempting high dollar restorations as that
> just doesn't fit into my budget. I am looking more into cleaning up and
> salvaging as much of the original parts as possible and putting a bike
> together I can actually ride and enjoy without worrying about scratching up
> some rare NOS parts.
> I came here because this Saturday I picked up what I believe to be a 1949
> Dawes at a yard sale. It may be a 1950 but I am just going by the date on
> the Sturmey Archer hub. It is in ROUGH shape but mostly complete and
> original. It was repainted at one time long ago as all of that paint is
> lacquer checked. I haven't had time to disassemble it yet to see what the
> original color is. It is missing one pedal cap, the original seat and brake
> levers. I don't know much about these bikes so it may be missing more. This
> bike was very cheap and the cheapest bike I have every purchased.
> I am looking for some opinions on what would be the best route to go with
> this bike. Since it has been repainted I am sure it could be very expensive
> to completely restore to original. It is a beautiful frame set and I just
> wonder if it would be considered wrong to just have a nice coat of paint in
> a color that appeals to me put on it. I have been on some other sites
> relating to different style bikes and it seems to be an open debate on what
> to do. I have always felt that if you repaint something that doesn't have
> original paint it shouldn't hurt the value. After all if down the road it is
> sold the new owner could always restore to original.
> I am looking forward to getting to know some members here and gaining some
> knowledge.
>
>
> http://img.photobucket.com/
>
> http://img.photobucket.com/
>
> http://img.photobucket.com/
>
> http://img.photobucket.com/
> Regards,
> Jeff McDonald
> Glendale Arizona