So the disc tab looks the same as mine now I'm looking at the pics on a monitor and not my phone. Looks like a Hope headset in there, which is good - and should do you well.
Original paint would have been sprayed, and there was also a nickel finish. The 1997 catalogue is linked below, although there is often some crossover with 1997 dated frames being built into 1998 bikes (mine is)
Here is the Orange bikes catalogue from 1997, the whole kit and caboodle, featuring; C-16r P7 E3 VIT T2 X1 Full suspension
www.retrobike.co.uk
Orange themselves provide a service to respray/finish frames - they put them down the same line as the new bikes, but only use the current colour palette. Finish is very good, as you'd expect. I recall the cost being about £250-£300 from memory so way more than any old P7 frame is worth (yours around £50 given condition, but more with the headset). Mine has sentimental value so I was prepared to spend.
This is my 1997 date stamped, but 1998 model year Orange P7. In the next few posts I’ll put some commentary of the journey we've been on, and that has seen the completion of this incarnation. Spoiler alert: It isn’t period correct, it has a modern respray and decals - and it’s (yawn) another...
www.retrobike.co.uk
Powder coating is probably a cheaper option and brings up a choice of colours. You can do a lot of the prep yourself in respect of sanding back and rubbing down. Also gives you a chance to inspect the frame for any damage/rust. A search on here will likely bring up some pointers etc.
Good luck!
