Classic & Vintage - can the paint be saved?

I recently picked up this 70's Elvish bike. It had been stored for the past 30, or so years, in a garage and needs some TLC. Luckily the grease did a good job in preventing lock up on most of the components.... Anyways, I've recently moved to seeing what I could do with the frame to clean it up. Whatever is on the paint made it really dull and it seems as though there is rust nearly coming through in some parts. My question, for those that are more knowledgeable, if this paint scheme is worth saving, or to just strip it down and repaint. The decals are in pretty good order and I would like to keep them... Your thoughts are appreciated. Can anyone also tell me about this Elvish bike? I looked online and couldn't find hardly anything on it. Thanks!


After cleaning the fork best I could without removing the paint!


http://picasaweb.google.com/panthegoatgod/ElvishRebuild/photo?authkey=AjeYVubotEc#5206195106397784594

http://picasaweb.google.com/panthegoatgod/ElvishRebuild/photo?authkey=AjeYVubotEc#5206195114987719202


Frame as it stands now...

http://picasaweb.google.com/panthegoatgod/ElvishRebuild/photo?authkey=AjeYVubotEc#5206195119282686514



http://picasaweb.google.com/panthegoatgod/ElvishRebuild/photo?authkey=AjeYVubotEc#5206195136462555730


http://picasaweb.google.com/panthegoatgod/ElvishRebuild/photo?authkey=AjeYVubotEc#5206195119282686514

Worth a shot I suppose...

I'd start by using a little citrus degreaser (I like FinishLine) on a Qtip to do the underside of BB shell. I have found that it cuts through grime and marks on paint nicely. Just make sure it doesn't harm your paint and stay clear of the decals... and wipe frame with damp cloth and dry once done.

Beyond that, you might try some very light wet-sanding... I start with 1000 grit and get finer from there.

is the black markings on the fork represent rust, or is it just build up gunk?

Sort of hard to tell from the photo... but if it doesn't improve with deep cleaning and/or a little wet sanding it is likely rust.

Full res for shot for those tuning in now...
http://lh5.ggpht.com/panthegoatgod/SEAe3Zw3ihI/AAAAAAAACNY/CpLJLdU7Tog/IMG_5073.JPG

The paint from the pics looks like its in pretty good shape. Light sanding on a paint job that vintage is not recomended! The decals look unique, The value of the bike?

I can't tell from the pictures. If those are scratches that go down to the primer/metal, there's nothing you can do that won't come out half-assed looking. In that case, all you can do it strip everything down to bare metal and start over. If it's oxidation, mildew and dirt, you can bring it back. Start by washing with a degreasing agent to get off as much crap as possible. Then rub down with fine (white color) auto compound -- rub just enough to get the junk off, and stop. Then follow up with a good quality auto wax.

I have a elvish tucked away and used this thead (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=137269&highlight=elvish) to find the information about the bike.

'Elvish bikes were built in the South of France in the Pau area. They were also sold under the Fontane name. They are comparatively light and do ride quite well.'

Many were imported / built in canada, but I think most were built in france

If nothing else works I've found that very rough grime spots on lacquer-painted bikes can be cleaned with a Q-tip and some carburettor cleaner. Be careful and test it somewhere hidden! Different paints react differently with the solvent. Wear latex gloves and don't huff the fumes. Don't hit the decals with it!

This is a last resort option.

Karl