Originally Posted by
T-Mar
The 2nd frame is bad enough that you're in for a paint job anyway. The 1st frame is definitely better. It has an embossed fork crown, internal cable routing and what appears to be a chromed chainstay and a front derailleur hanger. All this suggests a higher grade tubeset. Barring issues other than cosmetics, the 1st frame would be my preference.
That's my opinion too. ^^^
Also, looks to me like frame #1 is fully chromed, though only the chainstay and dropouts are polished. Technically it doesn't even need paint - at least not right away.