Bates Vegrandes advice

Hi all.

I’m a full time rodie, first time vintage do’er up’er.

I’ve been given this awesome old Bates Vegrandis with the catiflex forks, I’ve done a fair bit of research and have never seen one in this amazing blue colour.
I’m not planning on going full original on it, I’ve already started cleaning up the campy cranks and have found a nice old campy rear mech just to get it looking 'cool'.

My main dilemma is what to do with the paintwork. I’ve attached some images and as you can see where it’s good (very few places) it’s good. But it’s been hit by the rust monster big time.
Should I get it re sprayed or not? Most if not all of the original decals are intact and can’t imagine I can get them again? I’ve spoken to Rourke bikes who said they can re spray and have some decals but waiting to hear back to confrim what they can and can't, anyone else to try?

Would you leave it, or get it re sprayed? Do you have any tricks on knocking back the rust and not effecting the paint too much?

oh finally the frame number is 15919. i found one site that has a few dates but not this. i guess around 1951/2?

cheers in advance!

Ed

Re:

Lovely frame and a fantastic colour, I would keep it as is...... Some suggestions here....

viewtopic.php?f=12&t=363157

Re:

Cheers.
Would you use a rust remover then try to match the paint to ‘patch it over’ or just keep the rust at bay?

I have a similar condition frame! It's similarly on the cusp between too good to repaint and scruffy.

I gave mine a thorough wash, then revived the paint with T-cut and lightly removed the bubbling paint using a car stone chip repair kit. The rust was stopped with the rust eater stuff for cars. Then I touched up the worst bits with a near-match car touch up stick (Toyota blue!) After all that I gave a coat of car wax.

In my opinion, for this frame, as long as decals are original and in very good condition, some rust removal and overall polishing and you have a very very nice vintage patina, that is (to me) what makes the difference

Re:

Thanks people. I’ve ordered some barkeepers friend to try on the rust patches as I’ve read on a few stirs that’s pretty good. I’ll get some T cut as well and give that a whirl.
Just need to try match the paint.

Most of that rust looks like staining, a good clean and polish and it will look way better.

As Haitch ^ says, a lot of that looks like staining. T-cut lightly and then go over it with a nice oily rag and it'll regain all of its charm.

Re:

Agreed. It’s the chainstay and seatstays that have it bad.

Cut & polish first port of call then you can decide. Get some top tube cable clips for the brake cable to tidy it up. Nice frame though