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1971 Lygie
Probably time to start a thread to welcome thoughts on this project. Have hinted at it in other threads where applicable so enough with just teasing at it.
Acquired this in 2017 at the same time as my Bruce Gordon. Both from the same friend and in this case the original owner who bought it from Hollywood Cyclery in CA. I did a full repaint only because in trying to do some minor rust removal the evaporust bath reacted with the clearcoat turning it green. Should have left it alone as here I am almost 4 years later still as a frame. I’ve used evaporust baths on all my rebuilds without incident before but this was a very different paint job. The paint had yellowed badly over the years so there was evidence of some reactiveness atmospherically already. Oh well, it’s now back to a white pearl the PO says it was. I’ll post some photos from as acquired to now. This is my second paint job and my best effort. The PO is a vintage car guy with a lot of painting experience so I got some coaching. After the color coats and fine sanding it sat for a year or more. Then a bunch of clear followed by compounding and polishing. Now it sits for a few months as I wait for total curing and to finish my self made decals. (The Lygie downtube image was recreated by stenciling. Also as to the the LIGIE spelling issue I finally read something to the effect that in Italian the Y and I are the same sound and used interchangeably at times so that finally made some sense to me.) The frame and fork only weigh 6# 8.5 oz. All 531. So it should build out to 22-23 pounds. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ab0035c89.jpeg I alway miss getting a lot of as found photos. This one shows the yellowing of the paint https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...2c7624bef.jpeg Original decals. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7af01c2e4.jpeg This shows the liquid masking I used on the chrome lugs. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...38477b9ab.jpeg Frisket mask in place. Shows carrier layer being removed. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7b0ef05ca.jpeg Logo as painted before sanding and clearing. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c36f55310.jpeg These photos are attempting to show the clear all nice and shiny. It’s hard to photograph shininess on white. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b3446fea8.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...492321868.jpeg The full frame as it sits. Getting some sun. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d647fc2c9.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5f8f389f2.jpeg |
Wow, nicely done! It must be gratifying getting to this stage. Lovely transition from paint to chrome on the fork. Interesting the difference in spelling between headbadge and downtube. Looking forward to seeing it come together in a few months...what’s the build to be?
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The build will be for the most part back to the original. All Campagnolo Record and Nuovo except for Weinmann brakes. 3ttt stem and bars and a Cinelli Unicanitor saddle which will change to either a Brooks or a Selle San Marco. Bar end shifters may change to Suntours after I try the Campys first.
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Decals.
Still to build is a dealer sticker. I usually don’t like them unless they look cool. This one does—I saw a photo of it on the dealer sticker thread. Believe it or not the art is created in PowerPoint at about 3-4X and then reduced on my Epson ink jet printer. They look great to me. On a white bike it shows solid colors. I may have to reverse the seat tube logo and give it a white background. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e6ce5caf9.jpeg Had to paint in the yellow. If it doesn’t look good applies will reverse paint it in. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8cc618908.jpeg Seat tube decal. This is not a faithful reproduction. I took some liberties. The original decal was a bit more generic in the wording at the bottom. |
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when Cesare marked the frame size on the underside of the shell did he mark it 23 or did he mark it 59? great to see paint exhibits the "vee" on the taper tubes; some of these exhibit the vee and some ae just straight across; does not seem to vary directly by model year is the letter in your serial an A? most are A's although other letters are also encountered have not previously seen one with the R marking on the upper surface of the shell, presumably for Rizzato rather than "right hand thread"... importer would have been I. Martin Imports, California Cycle Supply at 8330 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048 1971 wholesale for the Professional model w/Campag brakes was 335.00 USD MSRP was was 460.00 USD --- in case you missed it the forum had a recent thread on one of these frames badged as a Radius and dated 1967. its finish noticeably rougher than your example - https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...rd-radius.html --- what be the status of the Super Course Mk.II - all done or a current project? wanted very much to purchase one at the 1974 launch but alas, discovered am squarely between sizes :( ----- |
replies in bold:
Originally Posted by juvela
(Post 22059794)
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when Cesare marked the frame size on the underside of the shell did he mark it 23 or did he mark it 59? shell is marked 23. Assume cesare was the builder for Rizzato? great to see paint exhibits the "vee" on the taper tubes; some of these exhibit the vee and some ae just straight across; does not seem to vary directly by model year. Yes the V transition is elegant! is the letter in your serial an A? most are A's although other letters are also encountered. 71A… have not previously seen one with the R marking on the upper surface of the shell, presumably for Rizzato rather than "right hand thread"...I thought this was for right hand thread as I thought that was standard Italian practice? You can see the fixed cup was not removed. First one ever I could not do. Used the bolt/washer method and others. importer would have been I. Martin Imports, California Cycle Supply at 8330 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048 yes I have read this. My friend distinctly remembered Hollywood cyclery on Santa Monica. Say he probably has the receipt. Bought it in the box. 1971 wholesale for the Professional model w/Campag brakes was 335.00 USD MSRP was was 460.00 USD not sure of my model. Seems as high end as I have seen except for not having chromed seat tube lug. Have never seen a catalog lineup either --- in case you missed it the forum had a recent thread on one of these frames badged as a Radius and dated 1967. its finish noticeably rougher than your example - https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...rd-radius.html Good read thanks --- what be the status of the Super Course Mk.II - all done or a current project? wanted very much to purchase one at the 1974 launch but alas, discovered am squarely between sizes :( ----- https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...a3f623ff5.jpeg Oops no drive side! |
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NB - "Cesare" is the first name of Sig. Rizzato ----- |
I’m finding this thread particularly interesting. I’ve got the exact same frame in the same color but mine has a 1970 serial number. It’s also still has the Hollywood Cyclery decal. The clear coat on mine is yellowing too and looks a bit like it’s been hanging on a wall in a cigar lounge. I kind of like the effect though. Mine currently has “Lygie” stickers (not decals) on the down tube that were placed by the previous owner. Another, earlier previous owner put pics up on the “Lygie Barn” website and I can see that at one time it had an illegible script on the down tube where the stickers are now, but in green. I wonder if it said Ligie?
The Super Course looks great too by the way! |
Originally Posted by Pcampeau
(Post 22060144)
I’m finding this thread particularly interesting. I’ve got the exact same frame in the same color but mine has a 1970 serial number. It’s also still has the Hollywood Cyclery decal. The clear coat on mine is yellowing too and looks a bit like it’s been hanging on a wall in a cigar lounge. I kind of like the effect though. Mine currently has “Lygie” stickers (not decals) on the down tube that were placed by the previous owner. Another, earlier previous owner put pics up on the “Lygie Barn” website and I can see that at one time it had an illegible script on the down tube where the stickers are now, but in green. I wonder if it said Ligie?
The Super Course looks great too by the way! https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...40b7c0e5c.jpeg My downtube decal was flaking off and also a bit of a brighter red color. |
Originally Posted by Pcampeau
(Post 22060144)
I’m finding this thread particularly interesting. I’ve got the exact same frame in the same color but mine has a 1970 serial number. It’s also still has the Hollywood Cyclery decal. The clear coat on mine is yellowing too and looks a bit like it’s been hanging on a wall in a cigar lounge. I kind of like the effect though. Mine currently has “Lygie” stickers (not decals) on the down tube that were placed by the previous owner. Another, earlier previous owner put pics up on the “Lygie Barn” website and I can see that at one time it had an illegible script on the down tube where the stickers are now, but in green. I wonder if it said Ligie?
The Super Course looks great too by the way! https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...40b7c0e5c.jpeg My downtube decal was flaking off and also a bit of a brighter red color. The original paint yellowing was uneven in places although it did have a rich deep glow to it that I wish I knew how it was done. It was like the clear was an inch thick. But as soon as the clear was scuffed it was gone. |
Sorry about double and edited repost above. I did find your frame and a side photo of your dealer decal in the lygie barn and the photo I found must be yours. There also seems to be another (registration?) sticker at rear top of seat tube. What is that?
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Originally Posted by obuckler
(Post 22060325)
is that your Hollywood Cyclery dealer sticker in the show us your dealer sticker thread? If not can you post a photo of it. Also would like to see placement. This was from the thread and it might be older?
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...40b7c0e5c.jpeg My downtube decal was flaking off and also a bit of a brighter red color. The original paint yellowing was uneven in places although it did have a rich deep glow to it that I wish I knew how it was done. It was like the clear was an inch thick. But as soon as the clear was scuffed it was gone.
Originally Posted by obuckler
(Post 22060334)
Sorry about double and edited repost above. I did find your frame and a side photo of your dealer decal in the lygie barn and the photo I found must be yours. There also seems to be another (registration?) sticker at rear top of seat tube. What is that?
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c814d1778.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d61b06e85.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e2cb7d55d.jpeg Let me know if you’d like to know the placement of any of the other decals. |
Tremendous work on the graphics.
no way I would use pinhead point to create them. Bravo. the printer did a good job too. I need to create some LeJeune graphics. the options I have found are close but not good enough. I. Martin Imports must have had an overstock, in Summer 1972 after I had bought my first road bike, I stopped there and the full Campagnolo less brakes Lygie’s were on offer well below what I paid. like $275. I was sad as it was so close to full Campagnolo. |
Almost all decals on!
Applied the bulk of the decals during all the rainy time off in Texas.
The Lygie icon in the chrome panel still in process. I am attempting to paint the backside of a clear decal as I did not have white decal paper. And I always found white decal paper to still be too transparent. Really like the colors on these and in person (not from a super enlarged photo) they are very crisp. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...48472a4f9.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...38438eaee.jpeg |
Decal tip (I hope)
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f5e040a72.jpeg
The Lygie downtube decal was printed on clear waterslide paper but it needs a white background. So after soaking, I slid it off it’s backing onto a used backer reverse side up (I trimmed it out first). The photo shows how after drying I applied some artist liquid masking fluid with a tiny brush to all the clear edges that were outside of the image. Stay tuned to see if this works. The plan is to spray a white on it. And after dry rub off the frisket. Then apply it using a diluted yellow glue mixture. This is new to me but the general principles have been gleaned from this forum’s archives! |
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d5d67a8bd.jpeg
The decal above came out well. My only regret is my edges might have been cleaner if I trimmed right to the color edge of the image. They may disappear more once the glue mixture (half water half glue drop of dish soap and dash of white vinegar) is completely dry. Will need to refresh the clear coat as well once cured. |
Do I have to build this?
Well, the last decal is on. Over the summer the build will start. But I find myself a bit reluctant. I am reminded of when Jens Voigt retired from racing. He said (regarding his form) I will never be this good again (paraphrased).
Thanks to [MENTION=469225]Pcampeau[/MENTION] for keeping the history alive by sharing the dealer decal! https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...859924e31.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...3f809b024.jpeg |
The slow build begins
The bike is now on the stand. I intend to let it bake for a month at least in the 100 degree heat. While it’s curing (overkill I am sure but I work slow) I am installing stuff that doesn’t hang on the paint.
On an unrelated thread I thought I learned that I had a cool seatpost bolt but discovered not because the nut wasn’t domed. So I turned lemons into lemonade by creating an accent. Cut a cardboard circle to insert into the opening then filled it with paint! Minor cosmetic nicety that I like anyway!! https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ce3defe14.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f32ab55fb.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7af7bee88.jpeg |
Update
Well it now looks like a bike. I went with all white. Not installed but even down to the the original ribbed white brake cable housing (now lined and will be with new cables). Also with either the original white bar wrap (Benotto style) or a new white wrap.
The only color accents are the red down tube logo, the shifter covers, the red frame lining next to the chrome panels and the red dot on the seat tube bolt. The monochrome white seems to really pop all the nice bright components! I am considering dyeing or painting red my custom leather brake hoods for another red pop. I bought some red cable housing but did not like drawing attention to the cables like that. (The forum’s white bike thread was instrumental in helping me find a designway I liked!) Getting the hoods painted has slowed the build down. Tandy has a red paint by Angelus or I may look at a red dye. Do not know how to decide which??? Oh…letting the frame bake most of the summer really working in hardening up the paint/clear. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...9fb668b2d.jpeg |
Here’s the hood. In progress. The original Weinmann hoods crumbled. First time I had ever seen that.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...704efb2b2.jpeg |
Final roadblock out of way!
Completed my one and done pair of custom leather hoods. Final cabling and bar wrapping can now commence. In a week or so maybe a test ride! (Probably just in time for the first cold weather in Dallas area of course).
This has been a very long project. Doing the hoods was great fun but so glad it’s done. Not perfect but I am very pleased. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ef7929dcd.jpeg |
Those lever hoods look fantastic! I need for you to go into the lever hood business so I can buy some. Nice work.
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I'll second that those leather hoods are indeed fantastic. A tutorial on how you made them, pattern, etc. I don't doubt would be appreciated by at least a few people!
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I read several threads (https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...ero-hoods.html)
and in this link I share how I did it. This is my comment from post 27: “There was a lot of discussion about how to get a proper template but I found after just cutting an appropriate size rectangle out to the approximate and using moisten or wet leather I just formed and shaped as I went — cutting to final size as I went and never used a template at all other than the initial rectangle.” But read the whole thread for context and ideas for other ways to do this. There are some very accomplished folks doing this if you snoop around enough. Adding to my comments: I did shape the wet leather (I bought a slab 1/2 side from Tandy Leather) to the hood and after iterations of shaping and trimming let it dry on the hood after “clamping it down” with strips of Saran Wrap. I also simply sanded the edges for a more finished look. Burnishing was a hassle on such a small item for me. About the paint: Angelus red leather paint from Tandy. I wanted the red accent for the bike color way. Also thinking of making red toe straps in red too. But white is still in the running. I have no desire to make these again unless I have a need for some on another acquisition (my family says there will be no more acquisitions tho!). It’s fun doing new stuff but I came I saw I conquered DONE! |
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