Are Vintage Trek Decals clearcoated over?
 

I just thought I would throw this out there. I tried to remove the decals on my 1985 Trek 520 with a blow dryer but it wouldn't budge. I can feel a bump between the decal and the paint but heat did not seem to soften the decal up. Does anyone know if Trek clear coated over the decals in the 80's? I'm thinking of going to Lowes to get some decal remover solvent.

The early frames were not but I think in the early eighties they started to. My 1978 TX 500 was not clear coated.

'84 Trek 760 appears to be clearcoated

My 1982 614 was not.

How can you tell? I'm thinking mine are clearcoated because I can't get the decal off with heat. I tried a razor blade and it scratched the paint.

Take a look at this auction:
http://cgi.ebay.com/1982-Trek-Sport-...QQcmdZViewItem

It's not real visible, but I think you can see how the decal on that '82 is starting to peel back. Sounds like yours is clearcoated. On my 1987 560 EX it's definitely clear coated. Fwiw.

That's a good price for that frame.

I'm sure my 85 is clear coated. I'm going to strip this bike down for a repaint. BTW, mswantak at Velographics makes top of the line decals. I have a set of these for the Trek and am highly pleased with the quality. Thanks Mike!