Originally Posted by Crazy-B
I see a lot of vintage bikes here are getting repainted and new decals. My question is, is a perfect repainted bike worth more than the original with some flaws? I know in other collectible items as in antique furniture, fishing lures, etc, original finish is everything.
If your prize Stickley rocker was left out in the rain for three or 10 years, then you could probably count on needing to refinish it simply to save the piece. Same with bicycles.
If the original finish is in salvagable condition and the bike is an important collector piece then a refinish is not a good idea. Especially if the bike was used to win the TDF or the worlds or something. Dirt, blood, and other detritus should be preserved for maximum value. But, if the finish is trashed, or is not original, then it's a candidate for a makeover.
I have my Stickley Bicycle (a 78-82(?) Colnago Super) stripped and am in the process of a complete repaint. I'll post the before and afters when I get it done.