Paint a vintage bike or just ride it as is? (lemmy.ca)

submitted 4 months ago by thayer@lemmy.ca to c/bicycles@lemmy.ca

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I recently scored a free 1974 Deelite Apollo 10 speed. As far as I can tell, it has all original parts, but most of the stickers have faded out and there are a few places where the paint has failed completely on the tubes.

As a project bike, would you consider stripping and painting the frame, or simply replace what needs done (tires, bar tape) and ride it as is?

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[-] potate@lemmy.ca 5 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago)

Cheap powdercoating is one of my favourite things about steel frames. I can get a frame sand blasted and powdercoated for $150CAD. I ride my bike until the paint is damaged and I'm starting to get a bit of rust in spots- then pick a wild new colour, get some decals made and just like that I have a brand new looking bike.

[-] bismuthbob@sopuli.xyz 3 points 4 months ago

That multicolor combo is amazing! Makes me wish I had more separate parts to paint when I coated mine.

[-] potate@lemmy.ca 2 points 4 months ago

Thanks! I was going for a vintage Yeti vibe.

[-] thayer@lemmy.ca 1 points 4 months ago

Looks great! I'd probably opt for a rattle can job since I'm already putting at least $200 into new tires, bar tape, cables, and a seat. Just debating whether a rattle can is worth it over keeping it old school...leaning towards a cleanup and clear coat for now.

this post was submitted on 10 Jun 2024

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