@LAGreg , cool bike! And, it is possible that you can bring some life into that old paint without losing it completely. The stripes are tough, as they were added over the top of the main top coat, and come off very easily. Here is some advice I gave to reallybigtim on bringing back the paint, on the frame and those cool wheels. I can't emphasize enough to 'go easy and light' on the pressure of your hand, take your time, and my main rule for all things custom:
"Always quite
before you think you are done."
When I first start to clean, I start on the underside of a chain stay, something that won't be seen that easily anyway if I mess up. I start with #0000 steel wool dipped into a 50/50 mix of water and white vinegar. LIGHTLY rub the frame , just brushing it really, with the dampened pad. Probably won't take but a few strokes. Then have an old cotton towel handy to wipe off the area. After it fully dries, 5-10 mins later, you can use a clean cotton rag to buff the area to get the 'hazy film' off, and see what kind of result you have. Then you can proceed from there if it is to your liking. Be especially careful over any stripes or the white paint areas near the head tube, as that is usually applied over the top coat, and will come off very easily!
Then after the bike is cleaned, I like to use a car wax, applied with a soft rag and then polished after it dries. My main rule that I use in any form of bike customization applies here,
"Always quit
before you think you are done!"
Hope this is helpful. Keep the communication avenues open, there are lots of folks on here with deep experience in 'how to' when it comes to this kind of thing.
As always, "RaT oN~!"
