Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Powdercoat a banged up classic?

I recently aquired an early 70s Spanish manufactured Torrot. There are no tubing decals. I can not tell a weight difference between this frame and a same sized Raleigh Super Course made of Reynolds 531. You can see in the photos it has it's share of paint missing and the decals are a little scratched up. Being that it is a bit big for me it is going on ebay as a fixed gear.

Should I powdercoat it first or leave it as is? Perhaps I should let the winning bidder chose? Is $120 reasonable to ask for single color professional powdercoating?

John

http://www.adker.com/ebay/torrotA.JPG
http://www.adker.com/ebay/torrotB.JPG

Why go through the hassle of powder coating if you are going to sell?
Plus it will limit the color choice of whoever buys it.

The only place I have been able to find wanted $200 for a single bike. I could get a bunch done for not much more but there was a minimum setup charge.

Why go through the hassle of powder coating if you are going to sell?
Plus it will limit the color choice of whoever buys it.

Good point.

I guess the question is, will it sell for enough more powdercoated to justify the expense?

I've sold a few fixed bikes on Ebay. Depending on the make and condition I can usually tell how a bike is going to be received and whether or not it is worth putting extra money into before selling. This one puzzles me though. It's a decent frame and unique in that you do not see many Torrots. But the paint leaves something to be desired.

Offering powdercoating as an extra probably is the best option. It will allow the buyer to make the choice and chose the color.

Perhaps you've helped me answer my own question.

Thanks!

sell it the way it is -rustic lookin.

From many days of watching frames sell, I doubt anyone would pay over 100 a "vintage" frame such as that.
Basically I don't think it would be profitable to powdercoat it first, you'll just loose money on the deal.

sell it the way it is -rustic lookin.

agreed.

From many days of watching frames sell, I doubt anyone would pay over 100 a "vintage" frame such as that.
Basically I don't think it would be profitable to powdercoat it first, you'll just loose money on the deal.

I agree. I have seen Pinarellos (sp?) and other really nice frames go for sub $200, so I think it unlikely you wil get any return on that investment. Seeing that frame makes me want to buy another.

I would leave it as is. If someone's going to buy it, they probably have a preference as to the finish anyway and can do it themselves. Plus, in my mind, the presence of the decals and everything makes the bike a little more "authentic." Any buyer with eyes can tell it's an old classic. With refinishes, it's a different matter. My eye passes those buy as just another decent frame.

Plus, you never know, someone may just like it the way it is.

i'd rather ride a classic beat-up frame with all the badges and decals than ride a no-name painted frame. and those decals are awesome- is that a bull?

<snip>and unique in that you do not see many Torrots<snip>

this is why I would buy it... and I'll agree with those who say leave it. With a new paintjob, why whould joe schmoe on ebay believe it's what you claim it is? Or not stolen? Leave it.

Ok, it was a stupid question. :o

I'll leave the powdercoating for the old Fujis, or maybe that Schwinn Sprint with the bent seat tube.

The Torrot does have some pretty cool decals. I wish they were in better shape.
http://www.adker.com/torrotDecal1.jpg
http://www.adker.com/torrotDecal2.jpg
http://www.adker.com/torrotDecal3.jpg

I see you have sold frames on ebay before, but have you sold a powdercoated frame on ebay before?

Next time you have this dilemma, take before and after photos - it seems you know how to use a camera well enough - that might make it an easier decision for you and the buyer.

I see you have sold frames on ebay before, but have you sold a powdercoated frame on ebay before?

Next time you have this dilemma, take before and after photos - it seems you know how to use a camera well enough - that might make it an easier decision for you and the buyer.

I have just recently established a relationship with a local powdercoater. He has my Raleigh Twenty as a guinea pig.

As far as Ebay selling is concerned, I think it's going to best to leave it up to the buyer, with a couple of exceptions.

Yeah, if I were buying that frame I'd probably just wash it up and clearcoat the whole mess so that I could sort of preserve the original paint and decals.

What size is that sucker anyway?

What size is that sucker anyway?

Top tube is 58cm
Seat Tube is 60cm
Chain Stays are 44cm

Too big for my squatty self...

I have just recently established a relationship with a local powdercoater. He has my Raleigh Twenty as a guinea pig.

As far as Ebay selling is concerned, I think it's going to best to leave it up to the buyer, with a couple of exceptions.

How much is he going to charge to powdercoat the frame?

Adker, sent you a PM about this frame.

powder coating also drowns the luggs out which would be...not good, in this case.

Adker, sent you a PM about this frame too.

I made an offer... let me know.