I recently bought an '83 Schwinn Super Sport* from a gentleman, and he also showed me his old '83 Trek 640.
When he originally told me that he had a 640, I got excited (Reynolds 531 frame, Campy Nuovo Gran Sport components).
But, he sent me some pictures that dimmed my enthusiasm. To start, it's a small/19" frame, whereas I ride a 23-24".
And then when I viewed it, the remainder of my interest drained.
Cons:
The frame has a big dent in the top tube. I don't think it's fatal, but it sure uglies the bike up.
The seatpost clamp bolt is stripped, because the clamp "ears" are bent inward, either a result of or a cause for over-tightening.
The black paint has many scuffs, some scratches, and a little surface rust.
The decals are in poor shape.
The original Nuovo Tipo hubs are long gone, replaced by a Shimano 105 hub laced to the Campagnolo 700c rear rim (where did this combo come from?), with a low-end 27" front wheel.
The leather saddle is completely shot, it's cracked up and looks like crocodile skin.
The brake hoods are long gone.
Pros:
The Nuovo Gran Sport drivetrain remains complete (minus hubs and FW) and in decent shape, if a little dirty (the seller seems to use oil as chain lube. Effective but messy).
The stem is not stuck, and there was no evidence of a rusty steer tube.
So, I'm trying to decide whether I should buy this Trek.
* I paid $65 for the '83 Schwinn Super Sport (+ good/fair original condition, + newer tires, - upright bar conversion) and I feel I did well at that price (it's a full Tange Champion
#2 frame, made by Panasonic).
He offered me both bikes for $250, at which price I figured I'd definitely take them ($185 for the Trek).
Instead, I turned it down after viewing it. Since, he responded that he'd take $150 for the Trek.
I'm still not sure if I should buy the Trek at that price.
It's not complete enough or in good enough shape to be of much interest to a Trek collector.
The frame has enough issues (bent seat clamp tabs, dent, scuffs, scratches) to be questionable for re-purposing.
The Campy NGS drivetrain components may be worth the asking price, if cleaned up and sold on eBay (but that's a bunch of work just to break even).
What do you folks think?