[CR]Thanks was: Paint Advice Needed

(Example: Events:BVVW)

From: "Robert Cohen" <rcohen@ameritech.net>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Thu, 3 Nov 2005 08:31:19 -0500
In-Reply-To: <f6a5a5da0511011617u10eab36el309fd216672347ef@mail.gmail.com>
Thread-Index: AcXfQsg5/b6qjiweRPaQnyxAND454gBN1yRA
Subject: [CR]Thanks was: Paint Advice Needed

I wanted to thank the list members who replied to my query.

If anyone cares, I think I'll be conserving the frame's finish where I can, and sanding down to the metal, priming and respraying in the few spots where I can get away with it while still having aesthetically pleasing results.

Thanks again for the thoughtful replies and insights.

Cheers, Rob Cohen, Cleveland Ohio

-----Original Message----- From: classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org [mailto:classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org] On Behalf Of Kendra Coatney Sent: Tuesday, November 01, 2005 7:17 PM To: BobHoveyGa@aol.com Cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: Re: [CR]Paint Advice Needed

Bob Hovey wrote:

*Speaking for myself, I've found it has been surprisingly easy to get used to, and to even enjoy, the marks that the passing years leave on our vintage machines, whether it was I or a previous owner who put them there.*

I agree. I could tell a story about some of the the scratches on my Masi an d the other dings and s cratches, I wonder who put them there and how (same with my way off-topic old Land Cruiser). Having a perfect bike would make m e nervous to put the first scratch on it. I have been contemplating whether or not I should repaint my Masi after being hit by a van in August. For now, it is my "commuter" and it still rides like a dream even all scratched up! I think I might leave it "as is" and buy a (near) perfect Masi next summer at the Cirque (So someone please bring a stock of 54cm Masi's)! :) We'll see how my opinion changes about "enjoying the scratches" when I actually have a pretty pretty bike. Kendra Coatney Seattle, WA

On 11/1/05, BobHoveyGa@aol.com <BobHoveyGa@aol.com> wrote:
> Rob;
>
> With all due respect to Kim, owning a bike does indeed make it technicall y
> yours, but there is also an element of stewardship one should consider when
> contemplating a repaint. Not just in the interest of maintaining its monetary
> value (repainted bikes are seldom worth as much) but in the interest of future
> owners and bike afficionados who might never get to see the product of a
> particular builder if everyone decides to refurbish them to their own tastes.
>
> You are the one who will probably have to make the ultimate decision, of
> whether the bike's paint is too far gone to save and if the bike's nice enough or
> rare enough to be worth your time saving it (paying a pro to touch up and
> preserve old paint while saving the original decals can sometimes be more
> expensive than a repaint, as a few folks on this list can probably tell you).
>
> The more conservative listmembers will also probably tell you that they place
> a higher value on a bike that is original but less "pretty" (i.e., left
> alone, or the rust spots dabbed with a bit of touchup paint as many "non-collector"
> owners are prone to do in the course of a bike's lifetime) than one that has
> a specatacular repaint and reproduction decals.
>
> Once a bike's structural and preservation needs are met (in other words,
> ensuring that your rust does not progress), it is much a matter of taste. Nobody
> passed a law saying a bike has to look like the photo in the catalog.
> Speaking for myself, I've found it has been surprisingly easy to get used to,
> and to even enjoy, the marks that the passing years leave on our vintage
> machines, whether it was I or a previous owner who put them there.
>
> Bob Hovey
> Columbus, GA
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> >
> > Hi Rob,
> >
> > if you're meaning to sell the bike; do what you want. It always depends on
> > the price you will be asking if a buyer bites.
> > If you want to keep the bike; do what you want, it's your's. It's not a s if
> > you ask your neighbor which pants to wear
> >
> > ride on,
> > kim