Re: [CR]Bike Painting

(Example: History)

Date: Thu, 24 Apr 2008 09:14:28 -0700 (PDT)
From: "jeffrey piwonka" <jmpiwonka@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [CR]Bike Painting
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
In-Reply-To: <0a2701c8a61c$cb6220c0$8001000a@D5P9XJ81>


> So, ride 'em, I say, ride the hell out of 'em,
> knowing that they can be
> repainted if need be Let those scratches be fond
> memories of a great day in
> the saddle, rather than "oh, that scratch is where
> my wife knocked it off
> the display stand while housecleaning.

i couldn't agree more. when i first got my bob jackson (new) i thought i was going to baby it and keep it in perfect cosmetic shape. that didn't last long. bikes are made to be ridden and enjoyed by the owner. i get the most enjoyment from riding them so that's what i do. i commute too, and locking up creates scratches. i don't worry about it. i prefer the character of a well used bike. the bob jackson is a color that hides them well though. you can't see the scratches until you get real close to it.

when i got the gianni motta it was a great candidate for a repaint. instead i opted to use a dremel with a soft brush on it to polish the surface rust away and then just use a close matching touch up paint to protect the bare area. i left unrusted scratches on it because i kinda like them. i also like how the paint is old and brittle looking. there is even a little hazing you can see if you look closely. i think it's cool. http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2198/2399203989_65d1c7443f_o.jpg http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2117/2400037574_6544dc537a_o.jpg

jeff piwonka
austin texas usa