The frame is pretty thrashed/loved but there is only one micro dint in the top tube from bars smacking…
When I get some coin together I’ll will be sending to to Paconi to restore to its former beauty.
B^)
I thought that the forks were bent when I saw it before I bought it, but after heavy inspection it can be confirmed that it is just build freaking tight! I need a half link so I can bring the back wheel in more… If I wasn’t running a 28 on the back I could bring it in so it would be as close as on the front (about 1mm with a 23) without having to put a link in… To respray or not to respray? That is the question. :^$
Yeah my vote is leave it as is as well, allows you to be a little less precious with it, and save some monies for next project.
Really like everything you’ve doen, what size is it?
So if you’ve got original paint and lots of scratches and your frame has been stored for the past ten years in a damp shed so that all the scratches are now surface rust, do you a) strip and repaint, b) remove surface rust and clear coat or, c) call it ‘patina’ and ride regardless?
Nothing wrong with a little 1200 wet/dry and touch up paint or nail polish. Of the latter keep in mind it’s not really a barrier like paint is but can be removed quite easily if you get it wrong or want to later touch it up properly. Unlike most paints clear coat breathes so that alone is not gonna arrest corrosion. On the other side, it takes a long time for a frame to actually rust through so in 5, 10 or 20 years when it really needs it you can then spray the whole frame properly. Most people fear surface rust more than is actually warranted.
Most of all keep the inside dry and treat it well with your favourite type of rust inhibitor. Even though some high end frame tubes are as thin as an eggshell you’d be surprised how little they’re affected by surface rust and how long it will take to actually eat through. After rides in wet weather and rain take the seatpost out and hang it upside down so the tubes inside dry out.
