Selling a frame - strip the paint or leave it alone?
 

I'm parting out my 1996 Klein Pulse and the paint on it is pretty beat. I'm going to list it on ebay. Do you think I should strip and polish it beforehand? Would that add value?

It doesn't matter. It's not a Klein original. It was produced after the Trek takeover so it's not that valuable.

So, yeah, paint it...Why not?


- Slim :)

I can't imagine how stripping it would add to its value. Yes, the paint may look a little rough, but at least it makes the frame identifiable. A stripped frame means potential buyers have nothing to go on re the bike's make and year, save your word. Honest though you may be, it seems to me that would be a liability when it comes to selling.

leave the paint on it. go to your local auto parts store and get Nu Finish Scratch Doctor. apply and rub off at least 3 times. This stuff is magic. I had a frame that I built up that was pretty rough, I figured I would give Nu Finish a shot ($6) before getting the frame repainted or powdercoated ($100+) The frame came out looking new.

Thanks for all the replies
 

Good points...
I'll leave it alone and list it as is.

Keep the paint. Anyone can strip the paint off of a 70's Huffy and try and pass it off as a Klein. With the paint on, no matter the condition, the brand is not argueable.

On second thought, this idea might just be the best yet!!!

- Slim :)

+1 the provenance of having the brand name on it will help verify it is what you claim.