Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,645
Likes: 1,109
From: Mans of NC & SW UT Desert
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
As a long term antique collector and restorer of vintage homes, I always choose patina. I figure it has taken decades to get to this point, so its earned it! The antique world is full of people that have taken $20,000 items, refinished them, and creates a nice, fresh, shiny item worth $500....
Now I will address rust which to me helps preserve the item.
in the end, it is your bike and you should feel free to do whatever YOU want!