There is no way to put a value on sentimental value - so sometimes "logic" is not relevant. In such cases, disregard the following...
But "logic" would dictate that a nice used frame of same size and color of the period be found instead - far cheaper than the cost of the frame repair and correct refinishing (with chrome lugs, decals, etc). And a clean original won't have the same fork trauma and the second round of heating of the lugs. I figure a good example of such a period International would be $250 to $400 at most - To get the one described rebuilt and refinished correctly would have to be $600 to $700 or more (and if they claim less, I doubt its being done right). And when your done, I bet you have a frame with resale value no more than $200 to $300.
Good luck solving the sentimental vs logic quandry.
Mike Kone in Boulder CO
> Hello everyone!
\r?\n>
\r?\n> My name is Anthony. I live in Bellingham, Washington, where I work as a
\r?\n> marine mechanic. One of my prize possessions is a 1971 Raleigh
\r?\n> International; I purchased it, minus hubs, derailleurs and cranks, from
\r?\n> the original owner in 1982 for $50.
\r?\n>
\r?\n> In the early '90s I got into a nasty wreck riding by a public market in
\r?\n> the Republic Of China when a housewife on a 50cc japanese scooter
\r?\n> suddenly pulled out in front of me. I pretzeled the front wheel, pushed
\r?\n> the front forks back to zero rake and bent the top and down tubes. I
\r?\n> built a new wheel, pulled the forks back out and kept riding it until
\r?\n> '98, when I finally realized how dangerous it was and put it away. It's
\r?\n> now 2006, and I'm about to send it off to Yellow Jersey in Madison
\r?\n> Wisconsin to have the damaged tubes replaced. I may have a few
\r?\n> questions regarding period replacement parts, etc.
\r?\n>
\r?\n> Regards,
\r?\n> Anthony