What Do I Have, And What Do I Do With It?
 

This bike was given to me by someone who knows I've been looking for a new project. It's a rattle-can repaint, so I have no idea what it's origins are. It appears to be a lower-end bike based on the choice of components, although I really do like the frame. It has some very nice lugs that some of you might even recognize. I believe the threading on the bottom bracket is Italian, if that's of any help.

http://www.pbase.com/grumpus/image/1...5/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/grumpus/image/1...5/original.jpg

It's a 55cm frame, steel, not particularly light. There are wide stripes around the seat tube that have been painted over. I'm going to try to sand down gradually through the very thick, white paint that's been applied. Maybe I can get some clues there.

It has mostly Campy components, although very low-end items. In fact, the description of the derailleurs in Disraeli Gears is hilarious. I'm finding 3 different age references to them that range from late 60's, early 70's, and 1976 with a question mark.
http://www.pbase.com/grumpus/image/1...0/original.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/grumpus/image/1...2/original.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/grumpus/image/1...45original.jpg

It came with 27" X 1 1/16" tires. The rims are chromed steel, and the spokes are toast. I think they were originally galvanized. Regardless, they're of no value, and I've already taken the wheels apart. The hubs are nice, though. They feel a little notchy, and need rebuilding, but that shouldn't be a problem.
http://www.pbase.com/grumpus/image/1...1/original.jpg

Here's a little better shot of the lugs on the head tube. I can't wait to see them with all that paint off.
http://www.pbase.com/grumpus/image/150688770.jpg

I'm trying to get a strategy for going forward. I am very certain this is not a valuable bike, but I'd love to know what it is, where it comes from, what it looked like new, and so forth. I'm also trying to decide how far I want to go with it. I've already tentatively decided to replace the steel rims with aluminum. The steel rims aren't in that bad of shape, but since I'm going to the trouble of rebuilding the wheels, I'm thinking aluminum is a sensible upgrade that won't significantly alter the appearance of the bike. The drive train is 'funky' but not lacking in a certain charm. I hope to keep it completely original.

I suppose what I'm asking is twofold:
Do any of you have an educated guess as to what this might be? If you need additional information or photos, I can try to get it for you.
What should I do with it, and will it be at all desirable when I'm finished (assuming I do a decent job of it).

As always, Thanks for your help.

One more.
http://www.pbase.com/image/150694557/original.jpg

Campy is campy and looks like it might be a 531 frame,,I would grease it , clean it, tune it and ride the crap outta it. (-:

What size seatpost?

Looks like a great project to me!

Looks to be 26mm.

I'm guessing that's not a cheap frame. Yeah, it's got Valentino, but the derailleur mount is integral to the dropout. 99% of all Valentino's I've ever seen use a bolt on mount. Those hubs are Tipo, very good hubs. Tipo hubs with steel rims? That's a first for me.

A 70's Bottecchia Special? Looks a lot like mine did, save the rattle can paint. Check for chrome socks, frame, as I recall.

Bill

Special would have top tube frame pump mounts.

i would guess low to mid range Italian, from the 1960's most likely. Torpado, Urago, Botecchia.

Check out this "Unic Sport" on eBay - it looks identical to your bike, and has the same component group. There might be chrome under that white paint!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/vintage-NERV...item2c6f9afd49

There is chrome under the white paint, and some of it's usable. Unfortunately, the chrome on the head tube lugs is just a bit too far gone to leave unpainted. Everything else seems okay, though.

http://www.pbase.com/image/151202432/original.jpg

Hello Ancient Mariner,

it might be easier for readers to follow if you were to combine the two threads on this bicycle/project.

i am a new member so i don't know if such things are possible; just an idea.

great to see that nurse ratched has evidently let up and you are able to get back to this cycle. ;^D

hipshot reply sez Atala, but what do I know:)

It's a very charming bike, regardless of the low-end components. They may be crap, but sure look the part! If it were mine, I'd keep that Valentino as a paperweight, remove the inner ring, build these beautiful hubs into some nice rims and screw on a freewheel for a stylish single speed. Oh, and I'd add some Bluemel-esque fenders.