Frame size, decals, clearcoat
 

Sort of unrelated stuff, but on Raleigh frames from the 70's, eactly how was the frame size measured, i.e., from center of bottom bracket to .... and was it consistent through all of the various models of bicycles that Raleigh produced?

Secondly, in the same era, were clear coats applied to the Raleigh paint job? I'm repainting a chaincase and going to apply a new water-slide decal. What's the order of operation: (1) paint and then decal (no clear coat), (2) paint, decal, and then clear coat, (3) paint, clear coat, decal?

#1

Sizes were measured/listed center to top of seat tube.

Neal

Thanks!

I've been told that most waterslide decals won't survive clearcoats.

Marc

It depends. The solvent, in which a clearcoat is suspended, may attack waterslide decals. If so, a heavy spray of clearcoat may dissolve the decal to the point that it sags, runs, peels, etc. But a thin spray (or several thin sprays) of the same clearcoat may bond to the decal and underlying paint forming a tough and seamless layer, which is exactly what you want. A clearcoat suspended in a solvent that does not soften the decal is not necessarily better, as this may fail to bond with the decal and thus give you a fragile coating that will scratch and peel doing little or nothing to protect the decal or the paint. So, bottom line is: it depends ....

In inches, at least while they were made in England. Don't know about the Team Pro models, though.

Makes sense. The waterslides I have used were vintage nos made before clear coat formulas were developed.

Marc