Originally Posted by
wrk101
To me, that's some serious internal rust if the steering tube is any indication. Not just the light "flash" rust you sometimes see on bikes. A quality powder coat plus decals is going to cost close to what the finished bike is worth. And it is not complete of course. Financially, its a non-starter.
Hi wrk101 --
I took another good look with a light inside the frame and there isn't much rust at all, (though there is a lot of rust inside the steerer as noted); It is fully chromed under the paint, except where there are hard abrasions/chips from mishandling; There is no sign of anything being bent.
In any event - I know you are correct: There can be no financial offset when I start out by spending $100 just to paint the bike. (Consider: my Super Course, PX10, and Univega tourer TOGETHER cost less than $100 )
- so this is not a good deal, but it is good to know there is a pretty good quality frame under there. I'll start by just stripping it - and then as long as I can locate a parts bike (e.g., some garage sale step-thru with half-way decent alloy components) I would likely pursue this build.
( I don't always break even, but it always gives me a little thrill to salvage some P.O.C.)