to restore or not?

[Gary Mc]

I've seen some "others work"...Xaviers puts them to shame...

Completely agree, his work is amazing.

 

[Iverider]

Doublepost!

 

[Iverider]

As far as "Others" I was talking more about the people who do badges for some of the major custom builders out there.

They'd likely cost a LOT more for just one.

 

[redline1968]

i say do what you like. if you remove the tire i want it for display since i have one thats hardend up also. if you choose to replace it.

 

[Larmo63]

A proper restoration of this type of antique turn of the century bicycle is

quite a challenge. It's your bike, do what you want. But, do it right, or as

right as you are capable of. Do your research too, you may find that the

snobs over at the Wheelmen site have the answer to your brand question.

Personally, if the holes on some killer old head badge lined up, that would

be good enough for me in the interim. You'd be surprised how many old

obscure makes there were.

 

[dfa242]

I agree with those suggesting a little more research of the manufacturer - someone out there may be able to identify it for you. You might also try spraying the frame down with WD40 and let it sit for a while to see how the original paint and stencils look.

 

[sloar]

redline, i have the tire still, not sure what im gonna do with it. but, i had to cut it off. the thing was rock hard and i was afraid of damaging the wheel.

 

[redline1968]

oh no!!!!! oh well, i understand, i should have said something earlier. i know how to remove them without trouble. its trash now.

 

[bike]

Hate to see it happen again and again

redline, i have the tire still, not sure what im gonna do with it. but, i had to cut it off. the thing was rock hard and i was afraid of damaging the wheel.

it is only original once- how long would it take you to replicate that tire? 100 years gone. Nothing personal, most people including myself have a learning curve, better to get what you want in trade and save something that is only original once. A friend of mine got a 100+ year old horse drawn sled- crackly pinstriped paint, cross stitch upholstery partially eaten by mice, etc- He said I CAN T LOOK AT IT I HAVE TO PAINT IT - I told him it is the few ounces of original surface that make it valuable- he luckily listened and sold the sled for enough to buy and "restore" one that had already been stripped. yada yada sorry I get that way sometimes.