I've started restoration on my (new to me) 1962 Continental. As always, advice and guidance is sought from the C&V experts. I bought it from the original owner and it was all original except the pedals and saddle.

I picked up an Ideale #80 for $45 and have mounted it. It looks good, but there is a very nice NOS #43 (original equipment) on ebay which ends tomorrow (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA:IT&ih=005). Should I go for it? I'm certain it will sell high because the first bidder is a Japanese collector with deep pockets. Should I bid for it or will a new looking saddle look bad considering the condition of the paint?

Take a look at the Huret derailleurs. Huret certainly did not know how to apply chrome in the early 60s. Should I replace them? With newer Huret Allvits or something else?

Any thoughts or guidance on further restoration of the paint? What do you think of the chrome fork, decals, and headbadge? The Weinmann brake calipers, levers, stem and bars cleaned up nicely. Still need to clean the crankset. I'm tempted to convert to a three piece to save some weight, but the original is a really different one piece with Huret chainrings (I'll post a picture later this week). Thanks for the help.