Repainting my hercules.
04-26-12, 08:08 AM
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Repainting my hercules.
okay forum, i have a 1950's hercules. i was thinking about getting it professionally repainted, powdercoat specifically. I just have one question though. would it diminish its value if i do so?
04-26-12, 08:49 AM
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The general answer is yes. Painting or powdercoating bikes almost always diminishes the value of a classic bike. The nicer the bike, the worse it is.
Good pictures and a better description of what original parts you have with it will help you get some good detailed feedback.
Good pictures and a better description of what original parts you have with it will help you get some good detailed feedback.
04-26-12, 08:56 AM
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+1 to what clubman says. Tell us more about the bike, and its existing paint. But note: we are not good readers. We need visual aids.
04-26-12, 08:58 AM
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If the paint is already toasted or pretty much gone already. I vote for a repaint if that's the case. Otherwise if the paint is there then I'd leave it and let it have character and originality.
04-26-12, 08:59 AM
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agree with clubman & rhm, it's only original once!
04-26-12, 09:13 AM
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You gonna eat that?
Two thoughts:
1. A good quality automotive wax can help protect the paint that remains, and may help bring out the color.
2. If this is a new acquisition, try living with it for a while. You may decide you like it just the way it is. Once you start cleaning it up to repaint it, the original finish is gone forever.
1. A good quality automotive wax can help protect the paint that remains, and may help bring out the color.
2. If this is a new acquisition, try living with it for a while. You may decide you like it just the way it is. Once you start cleaning it up to repaint it, the original finish is gone forever.
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04-26-12, 09:22 AM
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I'd probably be willing to pay much more for a professionally repainted an re-decaled Hercules than a rusty one. Maybe I'm the only one.
04-26-12, 10:36 AM
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I'd probably be willing to pay much more for a professionally repainted an re-decaled Hercules
04-26-12, 01:07 PM
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- the paint is toast or
- the frame is severely rusted or damaged or
- it has been refinished.
04-26-12, 01:11 PM
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04-26-12, 02:10 PM
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To add to the above... you need to factor in the value of your happiness. If you're planning to own this bike for many years and you are unhappy with how it looks does it matter if you might get a couple hundred dollars less 10 years from now because it was repainted? I'd rather smile every time I look at my bike than worry about what it's worth.
04-26-12, 02:40 PM
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To add to the above... you need to factor in the value of your happiness. If you're planning to own this bike for many years and you are unhappy with how it looks does it matter if you might get a couple hundred dollars less 10 years from now because it was repainted? I'd rather smile every time I look at my bike than worry about what it's worth.
04-26-12, 06:25 PM
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I don't flip but after spending $600 on a professional Dupont Imron paint job, decals and chrome (15 years ago), I decided to put the money into hoarding many more inexpensive original frames and parts.
It's fine to paint up a bike. But do it yourself and do it cheap. I think it's hard to get the money back from a professional restoration of a bike unless it's rare and desirable, IF you someday choose to sell.
It's fine to paint up a bike. But do it yourself and do it cheap. I think it's hard to get the money back from a professional restoration of a bike unless it's rare and desirable, IF you someday choose to sell.
04-26-12, 06:52 PM
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It's your first post here, so we may all be writing to a ghost...
I am only 5 years into collecting bicycles. At first for me I wanted everything perfect, shiny, re-chromed, anodized, painted etc. But, I quickly realized there really isn't much challenge in that, just more money. 2 years ago I began to truly appreciate original condition, only clean up parts etc. There is far more challenging in my opinion and you might appreciate your bicycle and/or collection more. Now, there are some things that need repair or are too far gone.
Automobiles and Motorcycles have a large movement happening where original finish and condition is preferred. The same is happening for bicycles.
As others have mentioned, sit on it for while, clean it up, polish what you can, you might find you love it just as it is.
I am only 5 years into collecting bicycles. At first for me I wanted everything perfect, shiny, re-chromed, anodized, painted etc. But, I quickly realized there really isn't much challenge in that, just more money. 2 years ago I began to truly appreciate original condition, only clean up parts etc. There is far more challenging in my opinion and you might appreciate your bicycle and/or collection more. Now, there are some things that need repair or are too far gone.
Automobiles and Motorcycles have a large movement happening where original finish and condition is preferred. The same is happening for bicycles.
As others have mentioned, sit on it for while, clean it up, polish what you can, you might find you love it just as it is.
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04-26-12, 07:23 PM
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I was going to tell you to man up and make your own decision for yourself, but I won't. I will say that whatever is the latest "movement" is shouldn't affect your decision.
04-26-12, 08:13 PM
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Originally Posted by Velognome How much more? Unless it's a much sought after or rare one, I doubt you'd recover the cost of painting and decaling.
Originally Posted by Grand Bois That makes no sense to me. The seller would be concerned about recovering his costs. I don't sell bikes.
I agree totally with Grand Bois as I typically don't engage in selling bikes. Unless you are concerned with selling the bike, you don't care about recovering your costs. It reminds me of contractors who try to up-sell you on better stuff for your house with the argument that it improves the resale value of your home. My response: I don't plan to sell my home so I don't care about putting in stuff that will increase the resale value of the house. My intention is to live in it until I die. They usually end up with a puzzled look on their face and move onto something else.
You said you'd probably be willing to pay more for a good repaint. I asked how much more? Because it was a question about the value of the bike. Unless you'd be willing to pay more than the cost of the bike plus the cost of repaint, then the value of the bike decreases for the owner. Unless of course the "value" is based on historical importance...but then this is 50's hercules so unless it was riden by Elvis.......but he looks like a Schwinn man
Last edited by Velognome; 04-26-12 at 08:17 PM.
04-26-12, 08:23 PM
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+1 I don't flip and actually am irritated by flippers because they drive up the prices for collectors and people that like to RIDE their bikes. For me it's not about the money, it's about the bikes!
04-26-12, 08:39 PM
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Our local flipper uncovered a '48 Raliegh RRA and sold it for $175. Considering he brought a bike which was rotting away in a cellar to market....I kinda like the fella.
Last edited by Velognome; 04-26-12 at 08:43 PM.
04-26-12, 09:03 PM
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I have a feeling that we are "writing to a ghost"... The fact that another strange thread about Hercules has just been started, has me thinking someone is playing a nice practical joke here. After the Mondia thread, it is to be expected. 
04-26-12, 09:06 PM
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In that case, I guess you're correct, but that case is an outlier. Since I'm really a collector, it is hard for me to wrap my head around the flipping mindset as with Grand Bois.
04-27-12, 03:05 AM
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I have a feeling that we are "writing to a ghost"... The fact that another strange thread about Hercules has just been started, has me thinking someone is playing a nice practical joke here. After the Mondia thread, it is to be expected.
04-27-12, 04:04 AM
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This is what I know about Should I Paint My Bicycle?
Should you paint your bicycle? One would have to see some pictures to gauge cosmetic condition.
Should you paint your bicycle? One would have to see some pictures to gauge cosmetic condition.
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04-27-12, 05:05 AM
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No, it's not me, but I have a feeing since there was another strange post about a Hercules yesterday, perhaps someone's plan to get me back is coming to fruition. And, no, I'm not paranoid! 