>The steerer isn't a bad place, although often the paint isn't
>applied intentionally and the part on the steerer isn't exactly like
>the bike itself. Also as you mentioned, greas stains are common
>there. Under clamps and decals one often finds the truest color,
>given the age of the bikes. A little rubbing compound also helps
>bring up better samples of the true color by removeing some of the
>yellowing clear.
>
>Brian Baylis
>La Mesa, CA
With a constructeur bike, you usually are out of luck - no clamps that will hide the "true" color. Also, with a chrome-plated fork crown (common on these bikes), you won't find paint on the steerer tube. I'd look inside the BB... or between the chainstays where the fenders have protected the finish from the sun.
Another issue: I do not believe most of these bikes were clearcoated. At least if it was done, it occurred before the decals were applied. And sanding on the paint with 1500 grit immediately gives "body colored," not some sort of clear, dust.
Jan Heine, Seattle
Editor/Publisher
Vintage Bicycle Quarterly
c/o Il Vecchio Bicycles
140 Lakeside Ave, Ste. C
Seattle WA 98122
http://www.vintagebicyclepress.com