Trek serial number looks odd?
05-04-22, 03:48 AM
#1
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Trek serial number looks odd?
I'm looking at frame with this serial number;
Should be a '78 TX700, right?
Thing is, these are the numbers from some other TX700's
See what I mean? The digits are smaller and further spaced out. Then there's that floating "W" at the end?
The frame looks like a factory repaint, it's in a color scheme not offered in '78. Would a respray have required the serial number to be re-struck? Did they add a letter to indicate a re-paint? Am I overthinking this?
Should be a '78 TX700, right?
Thing is, these are the numbers from some other TX700's
See what I mean? The digits are smaller and further spaced out. Then there's that floating "W" at the end?
The frame looks like a factory repaint, it's in a color scheme not offered in '78. Would a respray have required the serial number to be re-struck? Did they add a letter to indicate a re-paint? Am I overthinking this?
05-04-22, 07:17 AM
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The stamps wear out eventually, and could be replaced with slightly different size/shape. The "floating W" is likely the personal stamp of whoever brazed the frame. Mine was "Z."
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05-04-22, 05:32 PM
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Not sure how they did things at Trek, but I had a summer job in the mid 70s where part of my duties involved stamping reference numbers into metal - let’s just say alignment and consistency were not among the features of my work. I had the dies, and a hammer, and a couple hours to get things done. I am more impressed that things are as aligned as they are on most bikes!
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05-04-22, 11:58 PM
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Originally Posted by JohnDThompson
personal stamp... Mine was "Z."
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