In a message dated 10/18/2005 2:23:28 PM Eastern Daylight Time, Dicwrijr@aol.com writes:
<< A friend has offered to me a '73 Eddy Merckx frameset complete with a NR headset. He claims it is Reynolds 531 and has wrap around seat stays. No braze ons. He repainted it twice using a rattle can and brush. The frame has no decals. It used to be orange in color...My questions are:
Assuming the frame is true, what would be a fair price to pay for this frameset? >>
(Psst! It's not appropriate really to ask that on this list... Each of us would value that frame differently, and there is actually a CR rule about establishing value. To quote: << - The CR list is for enthusiasts to share and appreciate their hobby, conversely it is NOT to be used to maximize the selling prices of vintage bikes or parts. "What is my X worth?" is an unwelcome question. Please refer to online auctions such as eBay for that information. >>)
But, in general terms, a rattle can painted frame is definitely worth a lot less than one, even in bad shape, in original paint. Think about the cost to restore paint & decals.....
<< Who built the frameset for Merckx? >>
If it has wrapover stays, it surely is a Falcon. And very likely a moderate to lower priced model. The top models had long, flat camphered "top eyes".. (Are you sure it's Reynolds 531 db throughout?)
If it was orange and of that era it for sure had the blue doen tube panel with world's stripes and the Eddy picture head badge & seat tube center cecals....
Dale
Dale Brown
Greensboro, NC USA