POLL: Firestone Super Cruiser paint quandry

[nateyboy]

So here's the deal. I picked up this bike off the 'bay knowing it had been repainted. I've started trying to strip the top TWO layers of house paint whilst preserving what's left of the original paint, but it's going to be a long process and I'm not sure how well it's really going to turn out. My question is, what would you do and why? I'm not the type who needs a showroom bike, but I'm not wild about the "repaint" color or the brushstrokes in it. I can't decide if I should strip the whole thing down to the frame and repaint or try to keep what's left of the original paint. Here are the pics from the auction:

Whatcha all think? Also, if anyone has one of the "rocket" emblems that goes on the front fender you'd be willing to part with, please let me know! Thanks!

 

[GTCOMA]

i am usually a fan of keeping the original paint if possible, but this one is asking for a nice shiny redo.

 

[blsm]

I would strip & repaint the frame/fenders/fork and try to restore the tank/chainguard.

 

[Rustinkerer]

I would strip & repaint the frame/fenders/fork and try to restore the tank/chainguard.

I second that! I've NEVER seen any Firestone decals on ebay! At least regular Monark decals are repopped! ~Adam

 

[bombshelterbikes]

Strip it all!!!! If what is left of the original paint is going to be lame (and the effort too much for the result) give yourself the freedom to take a stock bike and make it yours creatively.

 

[Rat Rod]

You can always do what Joe (Yeshoney) does... :mrgreen:

 

[sensor]

do whatever you want with it.........if you decide to get rid of the house paint and try to save to original skoda had a schwinn that came out nice(maybe he'll chime in and give you the link.........i cant recall to much of anything lately)or if you try saving the original and it doesnt work you might as well do the whole thing...

 

[Bulletproof]

Hey Nate.... It's me Jr's Monark from the Cabe.... If at all possible can you take full on side pictures of the tank decal and if you can repop those water transfer decals.. That may have an answer you need to pay for the parts you need... I know I'd buy a set.

 

[skoda]

Hrmmm....lets see. I would rub it down with peanut butter and release and army of squirrels on it. :lol:

Seriously though, this is going to get a personal consultation over lunch today - wow that sounded all professional and stuff....

I mentioned to Nate that there were a couple of ways to try to gently coax the paint off a-la my DX. Oven Cleaner is what I wish I had tried first rather than last.

I think the best thing to try would be the oven cleaner or a spray on stripper, spray, then wipe or rinse almost immediately - or wet sanding the whole thing, whatever you end up with, clear coat.

My second choice would be to wet sand then coat it in something kind of neutral like oxide primer or off white appliance paint and sit on it and think a while. I could ride just about any beat up old bike but not coated in brush stroked green house paint. Barf. That poor bike deserves better.