Applying decals/clear coat to Keirin frame? NYC-area rec's for quality job?
 

Hi guys -

Bought a very nice 3Rensho the other day. http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=268874
As you can see, it's barren of decals with the exception of the head tube and the chr-mo decal on the seat tube. The frame is mostly very clean with a few small chips and a couple of minute dings. Talked to Andrew at Yellow Jersey and he informed me that the frame I have is a TR-Keirin Japan-only model, not for export and probably for the Keirin circuit, and that these generally were NOT clear coated (and he thought that also might be why most of the decals were missing). I ordered a set of factory decals from him because, well, once they're gone they're gone for good and I don't want to regret NOT getting them when I had the chance.

Here's my dilemma: I LOVE the 3Ren logo - I think it's a spot on amalgam of Cologno-esque Italian and Japanese style. But I want the bike to be as honest a build/restoration as possible. And, from what I understand, the best method for applying the decals now (since it's already been painted) is buffing the finish and clear coating them. Since they weren't clear coated to begin with, I'm kinda loathe to do that because I want the bike to look like it's supposed to look. Will clear coating change the look of the bike significantly? And, since I understand the stock/best way to apply decals is within a few hours of painting, is there any way to apply decals (years) post painting that will result in a sweet, quality (factory fresh looking) result? Would a good painting shop be able to rub out the (very few) chips and (VERY few) SUPER tiny rust ticks? I.E. would taking this to a professional bike paint person result in this bike looking like Mr Yoshi Konno thought it should? And if it's possible to do this, got some recommendations in the NYC area?

To add to my confusion, as much as I love the 3Ren logo, I also kinda dig riding a mostly brand-less, nice bike.

Comments, suggestions very much welcomed.

Thanks in advance!
Tony

Because none of you have responded, I'm going to go to WHITE CASTLE now. I'm going to be very, very sorry tomorrow. As is my dog. It's your fault.

I still love you.

Quit over-thinking this and ride it for no less than one year.

It looks exactly like it is supposed to.

Based on your culinary choices, I question your judgment. Please don't do anything rash with this bike.

I can understand having a rare to the US bike and wanting to restore it to it's original condition. Best of luck in your quest!

I'd leave it. If the White Castle by you has the chocolate coated frozen cheesecake on a stick, grab one. Also, go for the loaded fries. OMGWTFBBQILOVEWHITECASTLE

Sound advice all around guys. Thanks.

Based on Bat's (accurate) assessment of my particular culinary choice that night, I'm gonna leave it for at least a year. I've never NOT loved White Castle while I'm eating it (which has been while drunk 101% of the time) and I've never NOT regretted eating White Castle not long after. Gonna sit on the sticker set and know I can bring it closer to spec if/when I want to. I did bring it to a local, currently famous bike shop/designer to have the bottom bracket and rear hub serviced and it got scratched up a bit. When I went to pick it up, it was between two bikes, leaning up against one of 'em and being leaned on by another. Oh well - they're nice guys and I really like the mechanic and it's probably my fault for leaving it w/o pedals. Hopefully I won't go on another bender, end up at White Castle and wake up the next morning to find I've purchased and applied a "Premium Rush" sticker set to it.

Tony
Btw JimmyT, they DID have the chocolate coated frozen cheesecake on a stick. That's some nastasty stuff right there <g>.

You're trying way too hard, friend.

white castle is amazing no one say otherwise

gucci two time

I always try hard. And I'm comfortable with that, friend.