Deciphering serial number through repaint
 

I just picked up an Eddy Merckx bike, a time trial frame in great condition. The bike has had a few owners over the years and I strongly suspect that it has been repainted. The serial number and EM logo are engraved underneath the bottom bracket but it is impossible to read the entire serial number due to the repaint.

Does anyone have any special tricks on how to decipher a serial number hidden under an extra layer of paint? Is my only solution to scrape the paint off to get to the serial number or would that be a terrible mistake?

I will post pictures later today.

Tough situation. I would try the paper and pencil scribble trick or in a dark room take a small high intensity flashlight and shine at an angle parallel to the surface to accentuate with shadows. First, is there comprehensive SN files on that bike to warrant curiosity?

I am just extremely curious. I need to know. :)
Merckx frames have fairly consistent serial numbers (at least from mid 80s and onward) and there are enough sites online that can help you pin down the model and year based on the serial number.

I have tried the pencil and paper trick but i cannot get all the numbers. I will definitely try the dark room/flashlight trick. Thank you.

Here are some pictures:

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=470493http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=470494http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=470495http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=470496http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=470497http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=470498

The fork is not original. I have the original chrome fork with EM logos on it.

Another possibility is to take a picture of the serial number in a side light to emphasize the shadow as much as possible. Then render the resulting image in Gimp or Photoshop with a random palette.

hmmmm Looks like PC!

X-ray the shell.

pc??

PC=powdercoat. It's thicker than paint, so you lose some of the definition/sharp edges around the lugs and braze-ons.

you can try chalk, but that is pretty thick.

So thick, you can't read the SN!��