Jerry,
I've changed over time from someone who would rather have a frame refinished to one who would rather preserve (as much as possible) the original. There won't be any more Cuevas' and what examples remain are the only record of what once was. My vote, keep it original!
Marc St. Martin Livermore, CA
-----Original Message-----
>From: Jerome & Elizabeth Moos <jerrymoos@sbcglobal.net>
>Sent: Jul 19, 2007 11:03 AM
>To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
>Subject: [CR]Vintage Cuevas and a familiar dilemma
>
>Received the vintage Cuevas frame from eBay that was discussed here a couple of times. Good news is that what appeared to be rust in eBay photos was just dirt, and all the dirt washed off. The 531 frame decal is 90% gone and the fork blades have Campy decals where one would expect 531 fork decals. And there is the small dent in the top tube, which was clearly shown in the eBay photos. But most of the Cuevas decals are in pretty good shape. Paint overall is pretty good, although there are a number of small chips and stratches, most notably on the left seatstay. The bike is without doubt a genuine Cuevas, with the point at the front of the seatlug, the cross at the bottom of the steerer and the unusual joining of rear stays to DO's.
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> But this brings up a familiar dilemma. I had thought to have it restored, but now I inspect it closely, I think some touchup paint and a dab of Bondo on the dent, plus a few coats of wax, would make this frame pretty presentable. So what do y'all think? Would you rather have a presentable, though far from NOS, original Cuevas or a pristine restored one?
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> Regards,
>
> Jerry Moos
> Big Spring, TX
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>Jerome & Elizabeth Moos <jerrymoos@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
> I bought the Cuevas bike on eBay that was discussed here a few days ago:
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>http://ebay.com/<blah>
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>Components are nothing special, frame is dirty, dented, will definitely need repair and refinishing. Shipping is a bit high, but all that said, it seems to be a genuine Cuevas, and therefore $380 including shipping doesn't seem a bad deal.
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>The Cuevas information on the CR site says Francesco Cuevas retired to Spain, (Is he still living?) but that his son Andreas continues the business in New Jersey. Does Andreas restore classic Cuevas frames? If so, anyone on the list have a Cuevas restored by Andres? Is the contact information on the CR site still current? Anyone have an email address for Andreas?
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>Regards,
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>Jerry Moos
>Big Spring, TX