Thank you for your post. Although I may not be a help to you, you have been a big help to me. I bought an unmarked bike from a yard sale. Your Friend's bike has many similiarities to mine. Like your friend's, I thought my bike had been repainted. My bike has the same Campy shifters. After unsuccessfully trying to determine the identity of my bike, I decided to have my bike powder coated. When I removed the paint, the fork and stays had chrome. Your friends bike might also have chrome underneath. Once again, thanks for posting.