there have been several threads about wether to paint or not. i have found a perfect example of a repaint project. this is something that i love to do as a hobby. in my opinion i got a nice deal on this off of ebay and a local pickup so no shipping charges. its complete with decent parts. it needs a saddle, bar wrap,tires and cables. and of corse paint and decals. i already have most the parts, decals are available and all the work will be done by myself, so i think this is going to be a rather cheap project for in my opinion a nice riding bike when finished. i will put this restoration in a thread for people contemplating on a repaint project. opinions and questions are encouraged.pics are from the ebay ad. picking up the bike tomorrow morning so better pics will be posted.for the curious ones, which i dont mind telling, i paid $150.

Neat old Torpado ! I think you paid a decent price, not bad at all......what are your painting skills and equipment ? Can you do fades ? Buff all the shiny bits real nice. What color saddle and hoods do you plan to use ? Rims ? Need to know what you are doing with those first......


Cheers,
Joe

Yeah - repaint it. It would be nice to see what is under the paint. I hope there is not too much rust around the bottom bracket. It will probably be fine but an inspection without the paint would be very nice.

I was lucky that I had access to an oxy-acetelene set and a heating torch. I was able to burn paint off frames. It is quite easy to do and the tubes did not heat up enough to change colour. I just used a wire brush to brush away the paint residue which was another very easy task. It left me with a completely bare frame that I was able to inspect and repair if needed. I think the heat stress relieved the frame.

I don't know how you are going to prep the frame but I do suggest removing all the paint so you can see the state of the steel.

I would service it and ride it to decide how much effort is worthy.
I would wire brush as mentioned to understand the extent of the Bottom bracket socket rust.
Then get some primer on it.
I would make this a DIY paint job unless you are completely smitten by the bike.

here are my last two projects that i found abused and mistreated. sandblasted and repainted by myself.

i really like the san marcos regals. so putting on of those on there. keeping with the red paint and white graphics. and trying to save all the parts that are on the bike. i have a sandblasting cabinet big enough for a frame, and i do the painting and buffing of the aluminum. so all the work will be done by me in my garage..money saved. i dont consider my time as labor in money. its a hobby and something i really enjoy.

Now they are lovely bikes. I've suggested things you already know haven't I?

I think you are well aware of the condition of the frame and will make the right decision re whether to paint or not.

oh ive already made the decision, its getting painted. without a doubt..

awesome projects you got there!

I'm sure it will look just as stunning as your other project bikes. It would be nice to video the process and post it on the net. I'm sure people would love to see your techniques especially if it is a home-based job. Well done.

Thank you!

I'm for repaint when it's that far gone, and within your means to do so.
A repainted bike with new decals, being ridden, is great, in my view.
If I get my repaints scratched up and dinged, I'll simply do it again.
I really hope I ride them that much....

the best thing about a repainted bike is exactly like robbie stated. once its scratched or you get tired of a blue bike, you can repaint it a different color and its like getting a new bike.

Ok, so you want to keep the red and white thing ... Soooo.... red frame/fork, white Turbo saddle, cable housings and bar tape. All alum highly polished to include full Nuovo Record gruppo with drillium. Otherwise I may have suggested white frame and fork, with top head tube lug in green, bottom in red, gold lug outlining...etc, etc. Either way, have a blast !!

Cheers,

Joe

Picked the bike up today, I'm going to need more parts than what thought. Wheels didn't match, universal brakes, I will use those on my maino build, they are nutted and I need recessed on this one.the seat post was junk. Has a nice pair of shimano 600 aero levers but I'm gonna be looking for non- aero. Other than that its not to bad. Sandblasted the frame, no rust issues, no dings or dents. The frame is Columbus aelle, what's your opinions on that tubing? I think it's going to be a tad small at 53cm but it's going to be a fun build.