Hetchens rebuild
Boy I don't know if I should be keeping this bike around for a re-build. The frame is in good order but needs a complete re-chrome of the stays and then it will need a two color painting and pin striping. A large cost i am sure :(.
I know about guys like Ed Litten in CA but haven ot used him. I have read about a few others on this web. My mind is however wondering just where to start and pick one of these guys because I have never required such a complete redo(inc chrome and all). Comments? |
I asked this same question of a respected CR lister about a year ago when I was thinking of having my late 60's Masi touched up (which I ultimately decided against). The recommendation, which I would assume applies equally well to your Hetchins: Brian Baylis (though not sure of his status nowadays), Ed Litton, Peter Weigle and Mike Barry. But you'll of course want to solicit other opinions.
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Mike Barry is now retired, though he would have been a fine choice.
Another possiblity not yet mentioned might be to contact Bob Freeman at Elliott Bay Bicycles in Seattle, as he seems to have a real affinity for British bikes. |
Originally Posted by jjciiijs
(Post 6270601)
Boy I don't know if I should be keeping this bike around for a re-build ... needs a complete re-chrome of the stays and then it will need a two color painting and pin striping. A large cost I am sure :(.
If it's 55-60 cm's with those odd bent stays, I'd be glad to remunerate you appropriately! :D More so if it's around 58cm. ;) I'll take it as-is, but pay as if its been rechromed & painted. :p Please say YES! :) |
Good start on the guys to contact. In fact I contacted Bob Freeman at Elliott Bay Bicycles in Seattle and was advised because of the cost of chroming,about 400.00, I could expect about a total cost of 1000.00 for the complete job.
Can I get contact info for ED Liten and the others? Looked up Ed and did not find a site??? |
Wonder if oil prices are driving the cost of chroming up.
You can try Ed Litton via this contact info, unless it's out of date: http://www.classicrendezvous.com/USA/Ed_Litton.htm First thing that came up when I googled, by the way. The cheapest restoration/repaint is not always your best bet if you're concerned about longterm value, by the way. A miss is as good as a mile when it comes to a really desirable bike. My .02. |
In Canada Mike Barry's painter is still active although Mr. Barry retired. For the chrome I wouldn't know for sure but Marinoni (also in Canada) certainly does it.
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Originally Posted by tuz
(Post 6271277)
In Canada Mike Barry's painter is still active although Mr. Barry retired. For the chrome I wouldn't know for sure but Marinoni (also in Canada) certainly does it.
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