Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,998
Likes: 302
From: Hervey Bay, Qld, Australia.
Bikes: Colnago (82, 85, 89, 90, 91, 96, 03), 85 Cinelli, 90 Rossin, 83 Alan, 82 Bianchi, 78 Fountain, 2 x Pinarello, Malvern Star (37), Hillman (70's), 80's Beretto Lo-Pro Track, 80's Kenevans Lo-Pro, Columbus Max (95), DeGrandi (80's) Track.
I've done similar re-identification procedures to a few Aussie bikes. I quite like Hillman track bikes but I had trouble locating the right frame. Answer - An old Bates built frame (with Barry Waddell decals) repainted and re-identified as a Hillman. I took it in to Hillman's and they were OK with the bike. They saw it as spreading the 'Hillman word'. They also recognised the Bates frame as a well built frame.
I have a Malvern Star 5 star track bike that won the 1960 Austral. At the time of winning the Austral the bike was an Orion built in Chaple St. Melbourne. After winning the Austral, Malvern Star offered Dave Good (the rider) the opportunity to join the Malvern Star team. They offered him a new bike or to have his bike made into a 5 star. Dave chose to keep his bike and have the frame re-identified (braze on the stars and paint the frame). I have been told that this was a 'common' practice.
I wonder how many Malvern Star 5 stars' are actually 5 stars (a very collectable Aussie bike).