Originally Posted by
Picchio Special
Keep the paint.
Nice score.
Many of the Carlsbad bikes had components dating from 1973 - they continued to be used to build up the Carlsbad bikes for years. So you may want to check the date codes on the rear derailleur and crankset - they may provide a hint as to originalty.
If its Carlsbad and Nuovo Record, it will be 1973, if it shipped complete.
While Masi's were available as frame sets, you did not get the Masi touches, waterbottle, pump, toe strap terminations, detail assembly that was part of the deal. The pricing of a frame set compared to a whole bike, was not that competitive unless you REALLY wanted something different. Most shops did retape the bars as part of the final fitting and to dump the Hunt-Wilde end caps, so many left the shop modified slightly, but slightly. "We will switch those Seta tires for Cotton, for no cost, here we will give you a spare too"
Smart shops would special order things from time to time, more braze ons, sizing, component swaps, spoke count, but some requests just did not make into the build, subject to parts on hand. When the 3ttt engraved stems were gone, they were gone.