original paint is king on these, and most vintage bikes. Scratches and marks add character. I take them apart, regrease bearings, clean un up chrome, clean paint, and polish it up, but avoid touching up paint. In some cases, a little touch up might be good for heavily rusted spots, though. I'm kindof in that predicimate on my 59 white Schwinn Corvette. Rare bike, and most paint is there and original, but it has some spots that the paint is worn away from a bike lock swinging and wearing down the paint. Don't want to leave it to rust away more, so may touch up that area.
My 68 Rams Horn is staying original paint, even though it has some wear.
My "Packers" bike (green and yellow Stingray) is getting left alone, also.
I have a couple Lil Chicks and they have wear, but are in decent condition, and still get compliments everywhere the girls ride them.
But bottom line, unless the paints in almost completely shot, or it has been repainted already, leave the paint original.
Oh yea... We all like pictures. Let's see this treasure.
