Art Odd

I just recently picked up an old 1993 Specialized Epic Pro carbon lugged frame. I couldn't find any obvious damage, and thought the clear coat chipping was just cosmetic. Now I'm wondering if the clear coat really needs to be restored in order to protect the carbon. There are a couple of places where I can see black, not just the purple-colored coat (see photo below). A reputable service quoted $400-500 dollars for clear coat restoration. Is this frame really worth the investment?

If the clear coat does need to be restored, can I do it myself? I have read many places that wet sanding and clear nail polish is all that is needed. I am less concerned about how the frame looks than I am about maintaining the frame's integrity.

Andrew R Stewart 

The image you post looks to have no structural issues, only cosmetic coat flaking/chipping off. The typical low effort method is to clean/prep the under surface with as little sanding as possible and apply clear paint/nail polish. The purple tint is in the clear coat so as it flakes off the tint is lost.

The real issue with some of these frames is the bonding at the "lugs" The adhesive fails for one of a few possible reasons in some frames. I have heard the a production series did not have the proper Al lug prep (anodizing), or there was not adequate insulation between the Carbon and the Alu to prevent galvanic issues, or that the adhesive was not properly mixed. Take your pick but some of these tube and lug frames have break down of the bonding. The outward symptom I know of is a white powder like substance collecting at the "lug's" edges. Andy.

Art Odd

Yeah, here are some photos someone else posted of an older model Epic Allez that does show lug failure and corrosion. https://www.flickr.com/photos/3551170...7634729209760/
If I had seen those symptoms, I would have passed on the frame.