my head is still spinning. the frame was boxed and ready for UPS when I read the criticism on Cycle Art. I did not pull that shop out of thin air--it was recommended to me by the owner of my LBS, who rides a dainty little Sirota that was redone by CA.

based on conventional websearching, there does not seem to be a dedicated bike paint shop between Richmond and Philly. There are few motorcycle painters around, if you want skulls, flames, or scantly clad babes. There are also some (shudder) powder coaters around--a few that cater to bicyclists ("Boneheads," near Doylestown PA is one--a good opportunity to tour the Mercer castle and tile works...)

at the risk of repeating myself--I am not into preservation for its own sake. I am an architect and builder that works on "historic" houses--at least they are old and in historic districts--and some of the crap that the HP commission imposes on design is so far removed from what is valuable and relevant that it has no doubt ruined my attitude anyway.

to me, the beauty of the bike is in the abstract--the lines and angles, and the delicacy--not to mention the performance--that I really don't give a hoot about decals and chrome. I want to ride the bike wherever, and not be mortified with fear or get enraged if I lock it on a parking meter and go to a restaurant, and someone comes along and chains his beater to the same post and scratches my bike.

this is not to say that I don't appreciate and admire a beautiful restoration. Just that it's not for me. (plus I'm already committing heresy with a Suntour RD and FW ;^)

bottom line is I value all the opinions that have been offered here, because they all have clarified what's at stake, and helped me make a decision.