This frame and fork popped up on my local c-list. The guy said the paint and chrome are in very rough shape, it would need both new most likely. The chrome looks salvageable in the pics though. It's exactly my size and down the street from me, any thoughts? Is "re-chroming" as expensive as I imagine it is?

" 1974 Raleigh International frame and fork. Nervex Pro lugs. Comes with Campagnolo headset (original?) and new reproduction transfers (decals). Needs repaint. Steel in good condition. The headset is complete (other parts not shown).

seat tube: 60cm C-T. top tube: 57cm C-C.

This is a prized vintage frame that will make a sweet ride either restored or as a fixie. These frames in this condition fetch $200 on eBay, WITHOUT the headset or transfers. Transfers: down tube, top tube, Carlton sea ttube badge, and stripes. I paid $50 for these."

Bronze wool to the chrome spots should clean up some of the surface oxidation and rust. No telling how much.

-Kurt

I wouldn't, much of the ride quality is in the fork and since it's missing, so is the ride. It's OK for what it is but if it were my money, I'd wait for a complete frame.

*edit* whoops, just saw the fork's included. Yeah, I'd buy it and ride the heck out of it.

It's hard to say. I picked up a 1967 Carlton Flyer (same factory, and frame tubing) frame and fork, which is very similar to the International, in April of this year with missing chrome on the socks of the fork. I've since spent a bit more than that on it given the Campagnolo components I've shelled out for one at a time, but at the time I didn't really care about the money.

Some day I would like to do what you're thinking of, professional respray and rechrome. I'd idolized the International, even with the sometimes questionable craftsmanship, for so long that when I found this frame I knew it had to be mine and I even cut a cyclist-colleague off mid sentence on my way from the ATM back to my car in order to get it.

Honestly, if the size was right, depending on the condition, I'd jump all over it.

i think it is worth it. worst case scenario is a repaint, and you'll still have a nice frame with awesome lugs.

I ended up buying it. The chrome on the frame ended up being much better than expected and should polish up nicely! The fork on the other hand is in worse shape. The crown is still pretty good but I wont be able to save anything below. Overall I'm really happy I have the frame and who am I kidding, I had to have it once I had the chance!

The size is perfect, I can't wait to get it on the road. I'll post some pics asap.

Congrats! Looking forward to pics.

Good buy!

The Internationals ride pretty well, I've had a few. Looking for a frame in 56 myself...

You might be waiting a long long time. Internationals came measured center to top and in "half sizes", 20 1/2", 21 1/2", 22 1/2"...

Hmmm, in my world 22.5" is 56! So, maybe a hair smaller. 22.5" would be perfect, 23.5" too big!

You should have posted this in the appraisals section of the forum, but since you bought it I'm leaving it here. Post more pictures when you get a chance