WolfRyder

I like the frame on this bike and it fits me. The parts aren't that great and I have to deal with shipping cost. So frame looks clean except, I am a little annoyed that the previous owner tried his own hand at some Panto lug fill in, to match the decals. How hard would it be undo what he did, on the triangles in the lugs?

artclone

I think carefully painting over it will make it invisible to everyone but you or anyone you point it out to.

The good thing is you don't have to blend it in with existing paint - - the hard and sunken border will hide a slight color mismatch.

mstateglfr 

Based on previous knowledge, i would hesitate to think you will be happy with any amateur fix

WolfRyder

Yeah that is not a bad idea, but still, not major, but don't really like what he was trying to do in the first place. I might just try to rub out what he did then match the original grey on it.

WolfRyder

I know I am actually starting to get over myself a little bit regarding that. I do realize that one cannot and should not expect perfection with used CV bikes. The frame and parts are used and I should expect wear associated with that.

Kactus

It looks like other than the slight over brushing, the infill looks pretty good. If you are OK with the yellow, some elbow grease and rubbing compound would leave nice crisp edges.

artclone

Huh. I googled "remove one coat of paint" and it sounds like there's actually a lot out there.

And from a Model T forum it sounds like might be able to mask the area and slowly work the yellow off with q-tips and laquer thinner.

Risky, but I guess just have in mind what the worst outcome is (the whole lug area needing touchup) and whether you can deal with that. And there's a slim chance the PO sanded to bare metal before painting!

In decision theory, you would go for it but reduce your max price according to the percent chance you'd mess up the paint worse. You could fine-tune the chance of a happy outcome by testing this type of paint removal on something wlse before buying.

WolfRyder

I like that Idea a little better, and then do a touch up grey paint match if needed on the affected area.

3speedslow

You will probably find out that the second layer is not as durable as the original paint.

Good luck with whatever route you choose!

xiaoman1 

WR, I would be very careful using the model T method because the thinner will pool up in the recess...unless you get it all out after each application you run the risk of softening up the original.....try mineral spirits less harsh.
If it were me I would clean up the edges and leave well enough alone.....seriously.
JM2C's, Ben

WolfRyder

lol...I haven't even bought the bike yet and it is bugging me already. Ok then still not a deal breaker, even with so-so parts and shipping. Especially since I really could use this exact type of frame in my size, to match with a rare grouppo that is en route on another bike.(both frameset and grouppo are unique and hard to track down, more on that later.)

I will try mineral spirits then first.

Dboyle

I do not think you are going to be happy. It will be very difficult to remove the accent paint without affecting the original paint. Unless the original paint had a catalyst you will probably damage it. Then you are faced with that repair also. It kinda dominos. Up to you, but I would recommend leaving it alone. From the photos it does not look bad. Look at the lug infill from other builders, even high end builders, and your frame's lug accents might be better????

trailangel

This.^^^
The paint looks good. Use some Scratch-X and sharpen it up... being careful to not remove the clear coat.
I like the Campy shifters.

WolfRyder

Ok thanks for the tips. Yeah shifters are ok, but derailleurs are Campy 980, crankset is Ofmega Mistral and brakes are iffy stopping power, Universal AER. Weird vintage mix that isn't really worth that much.

Dave Cutter

I touch-up chips and nicks with fingernail polish. And that is exactly what that "triangle paint" looks like... fingernail polish. I'd try a little fingernail polish remover first.

WolfRyder

Yeah that is a good idea Dave, I should have thought of that. Well I am plunking down the check in the mail tomorrow , so we will see soon what exactly I get FedEx'd to me. Waiting on that other bike for the Grouppo also. Putting them together could result in a pretty cool bike.