Originally Posted by
L134
Is it possible the bike never had any decals/stickers? I recently acquired a 1983 which shows no evidence of ever having had any decals and I don't believe it is a repaint. After asking for help here and doing my own research I finally concluded (guessed) that the original owner had purchased a frame and fork and did a custom build. Could no decals have been a thing for bare frame/fork sales?
My guess is that it is, indeed, possible that my bike came with no decals at all. I have looked carefully and see no indication of decals ever being present. Apparently the original owner purchased a frame/fork set and assembled the bike himself (or had a shop do it on his behalf). That said, my son wants decals on the bike and so do I.
To that add that, once again apparently, there were never any rear brake cable clamp guides ever installed. My guess would be that the holes in the top tube were drilled when the frame was brand new. I am, presently, toying with the idea of sealing the holes up before painting the bike (assuming that I paint the bike). I also toy with the idea of keeping it bone stock "as found" thus preserving its history of use.