Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Fuji Touring iii
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auchencrow
07-30-09, 08:40 PM
Hi -
I am considering purchasing a 1986 Fuji Touring iii .
They are asking $135 - Is that reasonable?
PS - I found this catalog link
http://classicfuji.com/TouringSeriesIII_1986_Page.htm
You need to get in your car now and get that bike.
Step away from the computer, and run to your car. Good $300+ bike.
auchencrow
07-30-09, 10:03 PM
You need to get in your car now and get that bike.
Step away from the computer, and run to your car. Good $300+ bike.
Whoa ! You have me all worked up now, but I'm going to have to wait till the seller returns from a trip this weekend. (Hopefully my impatience will pay off). And thank you for the tip.
mkeller234
07-31-09, 01:19 AM
+1 jump on that one as soon as the owner gets back!
auchencrow
08-03-09, 07:12 AM
Hello all - I went to see it, but it needed lots of help: saddle torn, cables and tires needed replacement and paint damage especially in the area below the shifters (a lot of small chips with rust in localized area).
- I decided to flip for it anyway for $100.
Since the bike is mechanically sound, I plan to disassemble it completely to clean, lube and adjust everything, (which I usually do with any bike) but I will need to address the paint damage also. (I much prefer to rescue than to part-out old bikes).
I think my only real option with the paint, is to do a rattle can touch-up job.
At that point, I won't make a lot of money on it selling it, but I will have a very presentable bike, with some very good components.
I want to thank you for your advice - I am not so expert as 90% of you guys, and so I really have benefited much from this forum. - I'll report back to you with pics when it's finished.
If there are small areas, I would just touch it up. Use rust converter first, then some touch up paint (I use Testors Enamel). A rattle can will greatly depreciate the value of the bike.
Without pictures, I cannot pass judgment on the paint, but I have touched up a lot of bikes.
More serious rust will need an oxalic bath first.
Here's the last bike I put in the bath and touched up. It looked about like what you describe.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2506/3755486259_aa0b8e7487_o.jpg