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Is this Columbia thunderbolt worth restoring

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Hardibity

On Training Wheels
I picked up a 61 Columbia thunderbolt for really cheap and wondering if this bike is worth restoring. i have the time and space and am a weekend mechanic / woodworker and have most tools needed. I’d love to get this back to it’s original form. Or is it better to keep as is with new tires and protect the rust and patina Any advice is helpful!

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My opinion? Do what would give you the most satisfaction. It's a cool bike with some decent features, but not really all that valuable as a collectors bike (yet?). You won't really be hurting the value if you were to restore it yourself, if you're a decent painter. Keeping in mind how quickly chroming costs add up, if you decide to go that route.
 
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Other than personal satisfaction there is no upside to a restoration here. The chrome bill alone will be at least double what the bike is worth finished. V/r Shawn
 
I picked up a 61 Columbia thunderbolt for really cheap and wondering if this bike is worth restoring. i have the time and space and am a weekend mechanic / woodworker and have most tools needed. I’d love to get this back to it’s original form. Or is it better to keep as is with new tires and protect the rust and patina Any advice is helpful!

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For a fun project? Sure...to flip? No....
 
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