Originally Posted by
mstateglfr
A VO Campeur frame is $520.
About how much is it to buy the type of frame you are referring to, plus add brazeons, plus blast, plus repaint, plus add decals? A good condition chromoly frame will be $90-180 probably. Blasting and paint will be $200-350 for a good job. Decals for $50.
Even on the cheap, is it really 'far less'? Sure, there are examples where someone finds a frame in great shape for $30. Is that the norm though?
The way it can make sense is to do most of the work yourself. If you have a torch, the bits, flux, and rod are pretty cheap. I agree on your price range for a good conditin CrMo frame. Let's say you do the work yourself (like I do), then powder coat. I've got a local powder coater who will do a decent job for $110. Decals? If you need 'em, $30-40 in vinyl. So now you've got a real nice frame with all the bits you want or need for around $250-$350.
Your labor is free, of course, but I really enjoy lighting up a torch and brazing, and there's the satisfaction of doing it yourself.