It's interesting because the one bike that came to my mind when the topic started as being difficult to restore from an economic viewpoint was a Frejus. They have mediocre chrome, complex paint and complex decals. They also have complex combinations of the above! You may think that decals are readily available but then you check the originals and the decals color combinations are subtly different.
I restored a Frejus once, all chrome with the blue panels. After a lot of work, hassle and about two years it came out very nicely and I eventually sold it for at least what I had in it- but never again!
If a bike needs restoration it is good to think ahead. Many bikes are easy restorations because the original builders or successors can do it and they do not involve chrome. In the US for example a Bruce Gordon, Witcomb USA, Jim Redcay, McLean Fonvielle, or Schwinn Paramount can all be restored reasonably. Also some bikes can be restored perfectly with minimum hassle- Brian Bayliss can do his own or for example a Masi, Cinelli or Hetchins and the result will look perfect and preserve the maximum original charm.
But a Frejus - Fuggedaboutit.
Joe Bender-Zanoni Little Falls, New Joisey Keeping the lovely patina on my '67 Frejus
> Charles Andrews wrote:
> >
> (cut)
> > This got me thinking about a restoration I saw awhile
> > back..a very good job too. Early 60s top-line Frejus, with
> > new chrome, paint, pinstripes, the works. It must have set
> > the owner back at least $1500 for the job. Everything was
> > correct. I'm sure he loved it.
>
>
> Perfect example Charles. I've been contacted through my Velo-Retro web
> site many times over the past years about Frejus TdF bikes and getting
> them restored. Usually the guy is the original owner, bought the bike
> when he was in college. Obviously a very strong sentimental attachment.
>
>
> I tell him that he is going to be "married" to the bike after he spends
> a lot on a full restoration (meaning no one else is going to think the
> bike is worth what he has invested in it). But his goal is to make
> _his_ bike like new again; the nuances of original condition vs.
> restored and the difference between the original chrome finish (not so
> wonderful) and new chrome (wonderful) is all lost on him. These guys
> are not collectors... they love their one and only bike!
>
> It's all good... but it's just not my (or your) thing!
>
> Chuck Schmidt
> South Pasadena, Southern California
>
> .