Originally Posted by
mkeller234
Yes, I think "1" is the highest end and "5" is the lowest end basic cro-molly. There is also "2"... not sure if 3 and 4 exist. I think your plans to clean it up sound about right.
All Tange "Champion" tubes are 4130 Chrome-Moly. The lower the number, the thinner (and lighter) the tube. High-end road frames would often use Champion #1; frames expecting more rugged use or longevity would use the thicker gauges. The quality was the same regardless.
Tange "Prestige" tubing was heat-treated Champion #1 tubing.