Originally Posted by
wrk101
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....
...but this wasn't $20k originally, isn't worth $20k now, and won't be worth 1/40th it's current worth if it is repainted.
It also makes no sense to me to keep original wrecked bar tape, brake pads, and tires for the same reason- original doesn't automatically mean more valuable or coveted.