As I have a great affinity for Raleigh International frames (I have one), I found a frameset today at a local bike dealer. The good part is it has the fancy pierced lugs just like the International pictured in one of the vintage bike sites a la Carlton (unfortunately I couldn't find the site again but it may have been RetroRaleighs) and its in my size!
The price is $125 (negotiable), a bit steep to my mind considering the bad part, someone had the entire frame and fork re-chromed, and I mean everything including headbadge! Understandably, the job was so-so, improper preparation has resulted in peeling chrome in the chainstay/BB area and dropouts, although the rest, incl. lugs, looks fine.
My questions are, should I even consider trying to rescue this guilded lilly from a life of debauchery and certain demise or is it already a lost cause? Can the "new" chrome plating be peeled off or otherwise removed for a proper paint-job or has/will the frame's integrity been/be compromised by the process(es)? If a quicky paint-job is thrown over the chrome in an expedient and futile attempt to resemble its former glory, will the paint hold up at all?
Please Advise,
Jack Romans
Sacramento, CA