To paint or not to paint that is the question
11-21-08, 04:08 PM
#1
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To paint or not to paint that is the question
I'm throwing together a cheap winter project (well under $100) but it's my first "old" bike. It is going to start out as a single speed and move back up to 10 speed in the spring probably.
So far I've stripped down to bare frame and I've been polishing all the aluminum and chrome bits, but haven't touched the frame yet.
It's not that bad but it does have 30 years of abuse, scratches and abrasions on it. It's a low end Itala gas pipe frame so there isn't going to be any resale value on it really. Should I go through the trouble of painting it, or just clean and ride it?
My worries are not being able to redecal it, and doing a crap job on the paint since I'll be probably spending less then $20 supplies.
And if I were to paint it. Do I oxalic acid it first and then strip the paint, or strip then soak?
Thanks.
So far I've stripped down to bare frame and I've been polishing all the aluminum and chrome bits, but haven't touched the frame yet.
It's not that bad but it does have 30 years of abuse, scratches and abrasions on it. It's a low end Itala gas pipe frame so there isn't going to be any resale value on it really. Should I go through the trouble of painting it, or just clean and ride it?
My worries are not being able to redecal it, and doing a crap job on the paint since I'll be probably spending less then $20 supplies.
And if I were to paint it. Do I oxalic acid it first and then strip the paint, or strip then soak?
Thanks.
11-21-08, 04:21 PM
#2
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My vote is don't paint it. Even though it is not valuable, it is original and if you do find decals, they won't be under $20.00. Plus a $20.00 rattle can job will probably chip and look imperfect soon enough anyways. If you need further convincing, search bike painting threads and look at how much work it is to do a really really good rattle can job, its weeks and months of sanding, waiting voodoo, and those costs can really run up.
-Matt
-Matt
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11-21-08, 04:21 PM
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Clean and ride. That has much more character than any generic powdercoat or rattle job.
Nice looking bike, by the way, even if it is gaspipe.
Them are some tall handlebars though!
Nice looking bike, by the way, even if it is gaspipe.
Them are some tall handlebars though!
11-21-08, 04:40 PM
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11-21-08, 07:40 PM
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Don't paint but do buy some testors enamel at Hobby Lobby or similar, and touch up where needed.
02-18-09, 03:10 PM
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Well I decided to leave it. I have some hobby shop paint but it will take some mixing to get the right yellow, so I may just leave it. It rides great so far.
And the bum shot
Big pics here https://picasaweb.google.com/dsellinger/Atala
And the bum shot
Big pics here https://picasaweb.google.com/dsellinger/Atala
02-18-09, 03:37 PM
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I'm in the exact same situation as you were, as I'm reviving an old Schwinn whose frame bears about the same wear as yours did. Can you add more details on how you cleaned up your frame?
02-18-09, 03:39 PM
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Wow, that really cleaned up nice. Great job!
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|^^^^^^^^^^^^^^| ||
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|_..._..._______===|=||_|__|..., ] -
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|......GO.BROWNS........| ||'|";, ___.
|_..._..._______===|=||_|__|..., ] -
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02-18-09, 03:48 PM
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A good degrease and wash, then some sonus swirlbuster (a medium grit polishing compound) and then some cheap carnauba wax to seal it all up. Stickers and all.
