just how far can one go? does stripping the frame and repainting and new component groups and all that jazz really defer from any perceived value in 20-30-50 years? I'll be dead so do I care?
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I bought the '88 Schwinn Premis to ride...
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but if I modernize and update her then it is no longer a classic...
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I know if I change wheels sets and bars and un-bolts I will keep them... real concern is the frame...?
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any input at all would be great appreciated...

I doubt any future collector will moan over that one...

well...
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that was the point of the question...
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like I said didn't buy it for it collector appeal... per se...
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was curious if I stripped and painted it and got rid of the white on the comps if it really mattered...
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*PS I only troll in flame ******ant materials, I can take it!

While I would never consider doing anything non-reversable on my '72 chrome Paramount, I don't think it really matters if the bike isn't rare or highly desirable. I repainted my '87 Paramount and am currently building up a '73 Super Sport with new paint, coldset rear triangle, and modern Campy components (Comp Triple gruppo with Ergo shifters). If you strip and repaint, I'd suggest redecaling it with original decals including the Columbus tubing decal since, if you decide to sell it in the future, prospective buyers won't have to guess what it is.

Point is: I like the geometry and style of the classics so much more. All those oversized sloping violence is nothing for me. That's why I love the topic in C&V about old frames with new groups!

contemplating a new coat of white paint for the frame...
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black accents... seat, rims, bars etc etc...
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re-decaling as to keep its identity...
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leaving the white comps as they are for the period effect...
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don't think I'll regroup this one...
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if the bug has hit as hard as i think it has i would love a Ti frame with comps of my choice... would be an investment for a lifetime there...

Well, think of it this way: you're decreasing the pool of that particular bike in original condition, so you're making it more valuable for those who keep them all original!

I'd say unless it is in pristine original condition, do what you want. Even if it is, it's your bike.

I'm the caretaker of an '85 Trek 560, received through a trade with a BF'er. It's not terribly valuable - neither the Reynolds 501 frame nor the full Suntour Cyclone group. However, I'll be damned if it'll ever be parted out. I really have no use for it, and I'm not really one to collect objects for the sake of collecting objects, but among production frames, I think the use of the full Suntour Cyclone group is fairly rare. I've been contemplating trading it, but I know there are no guarantees it will remain intact.

I know, that doesn't really help you.

This is another reason I have two Capos. Capo #1 has been repainted in a modern deep BMW-like metallic red, which I preferred over the original candy apple, and the crank, pedals, and derailleurs have been updated and upgraded. Capo #2 has original decals and chrome on the lugs, forks and stays and mostly-original white paint, although the head tube's contrasting red enamel is irreparably flaking off. It also has mostly-original components, with the slight cheat of a 14-26 ultra-6 SunTour freewheel replacing the original 14-22 5-speed Caimi. I have also downsized the original 52-48 half-step to my favorite, 49-46.

What was the question?
Was there even really a question at all?

If you were looking at buying the bike in question would it matter to you if someone prior had repainted it? If not then thers's your answer, if so then there's your answer too.

How's that for a non-answer**********

I tend to be a functional fixer and don't get too caught up in the cosmetics. I do like to see the super nice and pristine looking bikes, and I've got one or two that could be in that condition in short order. I also like to see the perfect and correct restorations but don't have one of those. But if I wanted to repaint one of my bikes, like the Quattro Assi track bike for example, I'd at least want to end up with the same quality or better of a paint job. If I wanted to repaint the LeTour I'd probably just use some rattle can paint.

Basically just do what works for you and enjoy the ride.

An antique bike is one thing. I don't think I would touch one with anything but cleaner. A collectable bike is a little different. Unless it is in collectable condition, a new paint job probably would not detract from the value, if it's a quality job with replacement decals. I had my wife's Mercian repainted with metalic green Imron after adding the usual braze-ons. I am sure it is worth more now than in it's scratched up but original condition.