Mark smithy

Hi, I have a 70s Claud Butler Electron which I've had for a few years as my commuter bike. It is yellow with part chrome forks and stays - the problem is that the pain is all peeling off - might be because they painted onto chrome or just dodgy paint. So I'm thinking of taking the rest of the paint off and just having a chrome frame - but what would you use? Fine grade sandpaper? Wet and dry? Don't want to scratch the frame too much and it literally flakes off so nothing heavy needed.

Also - the only catch is that I will probably lose the original decals - I know I can get new ones but how would I 'seal' them as it wouldn't be going near a paint shop for a varnish or anything...

Thanks

randyjawa 

Before offering paint advice, a small warning - don't paint unless necessary to do so. Ask yourself Should I Paint My Bicycle? As you will see, painting cost lots before and after - truly! But, if you do decide to paint, here is How I Paint A Bicycle. Hope it helps.

Decals, actually stickers today, do not have to be clear coated or sealed, as the OP puts it. If you do choose to clear coat, just use the same kind of paint, in clear of course, and spray over the decals.

Give the paint a chance to dry in warm conditions, say room temperature, for at least thirty days(depends on paint type, of course). Or, bake the paint and good to go in a couple of days.

The Golden Boy 

International Rule #1 : Pix or it didn't happen.

I have a bike that the finish is applied over a fully chromed frame. It just comes off with every small bump or whatever. There's a point when it becomes an issue- and really, only you can decide it. But once you strip it- it just becomes a nameless bike- as evidenced by the myriad of "identify my mystery frame" threads here.

Best wishes! (And looking forward to pictures!)

qcpmsame 

Perhaps this another candidate for the clear coat application that Realsteel used in his Holdsworth restoration thread.
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...l#post18723504

If the exiting paint isn't too far gone, his clear coat would seal and stabilize the coating. My one experience with a chrome frame underneath the factory paint was similar to the OP, so I can understand the desire to do something. But, an original Claud Butler deserves a chance to retain its originality.

Bill

rhm

If you do remove the old paint, and want to protect the chrome, use NO SANDPAPER. Not even the finest. If the paint is that easy to remove, scrape it with a credit card. If it's not so easy, go chemical. But no sandpaper.

If it's all chrome under the paint, but the builder intended to paint it over the chrome, the chrome will probably be a little rough where it was intended to be painted. Chrome requires a lot of time consuming prep work, and they probably skipped it.

Oldpeddaller

I'd be really surprised if a 1970's Claud Butler Electron was fully - chromed, had two brand new ones back in 1972 and 1974. Both were the "entry level" Claud Butler frame sets - not 531 but beautifully hand built by Holdsworth with Prugnat lugs, stamped rear drop outs with no gear hanger, superb paint finishes and rode well. They were my'Gateway' to over 40 years of multiple Claud Butler ownership! Are you sure your frame is an Electron?

Mark smithy

It definitely is an Electron - it's got a decal on the top tube with it on.

I would post a picture but not sure how - anyone recommend a good image hosting site etc

Mark smithy

Credit card is a great idea - it will easily come off with this

Mark smithy

I wasn't thinking of painting it - just leaving the shiny metal, and putting new downtube transfers on - it will still have the original metal headbadge..

Mark smithy

Hi

I've got a rough image here...

imgur.com/Fnl03Js

But will post more

Mark smithy

Imgur: The most awesome images on the Internet

rhm

Okay, I can see why you'd want to do that! But you realize, you're going to need chrome mudguards now, right?

devinfan

Cool bike!!! The chrome under the paint looks pretty polished to me. If I were you I'd go the credit card, plastic scraper route and then apply new decals directly to the chrome. Should look great.

Oldpeddaller

Wow Mark definitely an Electron and definitely smooth chromed under the paint. As you suggest , to scrape the paint off with a plastic scraper then polish the chrome would look great! Leave the headbadge on. If you want to you can obtain new decals from hlloydcycles.com or maybe Greg Softley and if necessary just brush a clear lacquer over the decals Nice bike!

Mark smithy

Ha - yes - the yellow mudguards will have to go - and it did take me so long to find a vintage pair..

Mark smithy

The thing you can't see in that photo too is how it is literally flaking off - it's like the bike wants to shed its old skin to reveal the chrome bike underneath. Most of the downtube transfer has flaked off anyway but a new set there coupled with the headset badge will hopefully mean it retains its identity...

3speedslow

That CB is so cool! Showing it's shinny side will increase theft magnetizem.

Must see bike when done,pls.

randyjawa 

Boy, this Paint or Not to Paint is a tough call, even for me. Don't paint it right away. Build it up. Ride it for a season. Then decide. That is, as often as not, how I deal with this sort of dilemma.

rhm

I think he's already taken your advice, Randy, and made the decision.

qcpmsame 

Wow, I can see why the question of painting it, or going to the chrome underneath. That is a lot of flaking paint, as you very well know. good luck on making the decision, when you do the build up you should post a thread about your work, here.

Bill