Deciphering serial number through repaint
08-11-15 | 03:40 AM
#1
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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.
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.
08-11-15 | 04:04 AM
#2
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From: northern michigan
Bikes: '77 Colnago Super, '76 Fuji The Finest, '88 Cannondale Criterium, '86 Trek 760, '87 Miyata 712
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?
08-11-15 | 04:12 AM
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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.
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.
08-11-15 | 01:21 PM
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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.
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08-11-15 | 01:42 PM
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From: Fredericksburg, Va
Bikes: ? Proteous, '65 Frejus TDF, '73 Bottecchia Giro d'Italia, '83 Colnago Superissimo, '84 Trek 610, '84 Trek 760, '88 Pinarello Veneto, '88 De Rosa Pro, '89 Pinarello Montello, 'Litespeed Catalyst'94 Burley Duet, 97 Specialized RockHopper, 2010 Langster
hmmmm Looks like PC!
X-ray the shell.
X-ray the shell.
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08-11-15 | 05:14 PM
#8
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Bikes: 72 Cilo Pacer, 72 Gitane GT, 72 Peugeot PX10, 73 Speedwell Ti,l, 75 Peugeot PR-10L, 80 Colnago Super, 81 Zinn, 85 ALAN Cross, 85 De Rosa Pro, 86 Look 753, 86 Look KG86, 89 Parkpre Team, 90 Parkpre Team MTB, 90 Merlin
PC=powdercoat. It's thicker than paint, so you lose some of the definition/sharp edges around the lugs and braze-ons.
08-11-15 | 06:45 PM
#10
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From: Fredericksburg, Va
Bikes: ? Proteous, '65 Frejus TDF, '73 Bottecchia Giro d'Italia, '83 Colnago Superissimo, '84 Trek 610, '84 Trek 760, '88 Pinarello Veneto, '88 De Rosa Pro, '89 Pinarello Montello, 'Litespeed Catalyst'94 Burley Duet, 97 Specialized RockHopper, 2010 Langster
So thick, you can't read the SN!��
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Bikes don't stand alone. They are two tired.
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