Hirame frame restoration what paint finish

I really like that, I'd leave it as it is

I had a colour mix done for the frame about 24 years ago, the paint mixer said it was clear over base and luckly the two pots are still usable if they are a good match, if it is I should have enough to mix up and spray the whole frame. If not I will go to the local paint factors with the frame for a new mix.

The decals, I was going to get the best photos possible and re-work them in micrographics photo manager to fix some of the damage and adjust some of the faded colours. Then my intention is to trawl some plastic modeling sites to see how they are making transfers now days.

Thanks for all the input. I think due to the rarity of the frame I am leaning towards redoing the original colour there are just too many chips and rust spots to touch in.

Cheers

Phil

Can you not remove the decals very carefully after you photographed them and see if you can reapply them after the respray?
there are companies that make up transfers for bikes.

I love this bike.

I'm a fan of Ishiwata tubed frames ever since early 80s Piaggio owned Bianchi I had.

There is a Brother in law of a mate of mine in Exeter (where, oddly enough, the Bianchi ended up) who specialises in creating decals for Motorcycles. Well, that is a sideline, he and his family are in the publishing trade. If you want I will dig out his email address and I reckon if you supply him with decent pictures and measurements he could help you out here.

Lemme know.

I have also seen Ishiwata stickers on ebay, I think 022 ones where avail.

If you cant redo this in its original glory - seriously, just think about polishing it to within an inch of it's life and keeping the patina.

neuroportal":2gvg1x3q said:

If you cant redo this in its original glory - seriously, just think about polishing it to within an inch of it's life and keeping the patina.

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Totally agree: you can repaint 1000 times but it's only original once; don't worry too much about the odd nick or scratch, after all it's meant to be ridden unless you are starting a museum! thorough clean, keep bike cleaner away from the decals; you can T - Cut any small rusty bits then clear-coat the decals and little dinks, then wax it to within an inch of it's life!
I did that to by Bertin frame and you wouldn't believe how nice it is in the flesh...

I promised some Hirame adverts - and here they are. A 2 page spread from 'Cycling' June 26 1982, the Harrogate Show issue.

Possibly yours is the 'Osaka Pro' which is described as 'Gold' finish? Tony's could be a 'Kyoto Super' in the blue?

If only new frames were still priced like this..................................

Old Ned":19as9r4g said:

If only new frames were still priced like this..................................

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yeah really! RPI in '82 was around 62 , 220 ish today, so pro frame = £400 :roll:

bikenut2010":6c5grl64 said:

Old Ned":6c5grl64 said:

If only new frames were still priced like this..................................

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yeah really! RPI in '82 was around 62 , 220 ish today, so pro frame = £400 :roll:

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I suppose that's about right - if not a bit low? A new steel frame today from a builder would cost at least that?

Old Ned":3nshvryr said:

bikenut2010":3nshvryr said:

Old Ned":3nshvryr said:

If only new frames were still priced like this..................................

Click to expand...

yeah really! RPI in '82 was around 62 , 220 ish today, so pro frame = £400 :roll:

Click to expand...

I suppose that's about right - if not a bit low? A new steel frame today from a builder would cost at least that?

Click to expand...

A new steel frame from 600 handbuilt, 400 factory 1000- 2000 for a name builder ( Colnago etc )

Thanks old ned for showing that catalog, it is the Osaka Pro From the description. Looks like I got a bargain from Whiskers in 1986 as the frame was offered with Shimano 600 arabesque crankset for £80.00. I got them to build the bike and when I went to pick it up it had a 600 ex crankset on it at no extra cost as they had run out of the others. Spec was 600 changers, older 600 brakes, TTT stem & handle bars, turbo triathlon saddle, MA40 rims campag vitoria hubs butted ss spokes. For the total sum of £329.00 paid with £180.00 and 3 post dated cheques as per there offer in those days.
All I have changed since then until now were cables, brake blocks,a few rear spokes, tubes and tyres.

Neuroportal thanks for the offer once I get the bike stripped down I will clean up the frame and get some better photos of the decals and if I am not happy with the decal paper I have already ordered I will be in contact.

Also does anyone know of a source 600 brake leaver hoods?

Once again thanks for your input

Cheers Phil