Originally Posted by
Road Fan
Workmanship is not about steel type, it's about technique and care. And once when I saw Redneckwes, I was amazed at how nice his early Grand Prix are.
I'm not saying the frame will suck. I'm saying if it's a typical late '60s/early '70s Super Course, there were a number of bad examples. Mine for example has lugs welded together that were not well-finished if at all finished. No gaps under them, but not up to good frame making standards. Being earlier and being a Carlton and not a Raleigh, this particular caveat of mine is not among the stronger statements I've made.
But unless it is somehow super light compared to my S/C, I would not put significant money into metal work (fork, bridges, possible frame prep) and painting work. It would be like making a concours UO-8, despite their fine riding qualities.
No disagreement about the absence of value in refurbishing this to a high standard. It's a candidate for a home rattle can and a replacement fork with 24 tpi just for fun IMO. And workmanship is just as you say. I had a 76 SC Mark II that was a little sloppy too.