Frame Repainting Recommendations and Seatpost sizing query

cij28

Retro Guru
Hello,

I am new to the vintage side of bikes as I have 3 modern rides but have just bought two Scapin steel frames from mid 80's.

Both need repainting and I would like a good job but on a budget.

I know Argos in Bristol are good but seem expensive - are there any other quality alternatives that are a bit cheaper as I will having both done at same time?

On the seatpost query - One is apparantly colombus zeta and the other columbus aelle.

I understand that they are fairly low in the columbus line up if not bottom of their time.

Not worried about that but all reference points state 26.6 seatpost for both tubes and a 26.6 will not fit as slightly too big for seat tube.

Anyone have any ideas on sizing otherwise I will get it measured with some callipers?

Any help on paint job and seatpost sizing will be much appreciated.

Thanks

David
 
Re: Frame Repainting Recommendations and Seatpost sizing que

Hey, I have a frame at Argos about to be finished and as you say they are expensive but in my view it's an area where you can regret cutting corners. I have not used these folks myself but have seen them recommended on these pages in the past -

http://www.thepowderpotltd.co.uk/index.html

They're in Blandford so depending on which part of God's other county you're from could be nearby.

Martin
 
Re: Frame Repainting Recommendations and Seatpost sizing que

Martin,

Thanks for the reply.

I know I really should use Argos so may hold off until I can justify extra cost.

I live in Bournemouth so nice and local to Blandford.

Will take a look and decide from there.

Thanks again
 
Re: Frame Repainting Recommendations and Seatpost sizing que

Hi David, another thing to consider is the decals you choose to apply after painting. The consensus from the guys that I have bought reproduction decals from is that powder coating is less desirable that enamel due to the extremely smooth finish. Makes it difficult for the decal to adhere to the paint by all accounts.

Martin
 
Re: Frame Repainting Recommendations and Seatpost sizing que

Martin

I gonna bite the bullet and use Argos.

Both frames have cut outs on lugs should I get contrast colour for these and do you have view on hardest wearing paint- enamel, flamboyant or metallic?

I have two sets of scapin and columbus decals for them to fit too.

Paint or chrome the forks?

David
 
Re: Frame Repainting Recommendations and Seatpost sizing que

David, I'm certainly not the arbiter of good taste and the specifics of your Scapin frames would dictate what you do. Have you seen brochures or team bikes with a colour scheme you'd like to recreate?

Argos are painting mine plain white enamel as all the colour and design is in the decals, they will then lacquer over the decals for a seamless finish. There's no fancy lugwork on my bonded frame so you could argue I could have had it done anywhere but I needed a small repair and a front dérailleur hanger added hence the need for a specialist.

Whatever you choose - enamel, flamboyant or metallic; the finish will be plenty hard enough for sure.

Sorry I can't be more help, some indication of age and maybe a picture would help determine the sort of paint job that would suit the frames in question and then whether the forks would look best in chrome or paint.

Cheers, M
 
Re: Frame Repainting Recommendations and Seatpost sizing que

i like the guys at Argos, have used them loads over the years, i'd take some pics of the frames as they are (incase you're going original it helps with sticker placement) then look for pics of original paint jobs and decide if you want something new and individual or the original paint, then go to Argos, don't post, things can get lost in translation in emails/phone calls etc then listen to their advice on what can be done.

:)
 
Re: Frame Repainting Recommendations and Seatpost sizing que

I am going to be using the Powderpot in Blandford soon to respray my Raleigh Mtrax :p
 
Re: Frame Repainting Recommendations and Seatpost sizing que

I know there have been many many threads regarding repainting bike frame :facepalm:

I am interested in anyone who has had a frame powdercoated and how well it has lasted, and rust in particular.

I am thinking of getting my 1985 Raleigh Clubman frame done, but was concerned that the frame would only rust again in a few years. Its not worth taking to Argos and paying IIRC £140 + for this bike as its only dare I say it a run-of-the-mill model.

Would a £50 odd powdercoat do the job ?
 
Back
Top