Uncovered the original paint

[illMATTic]

I picked up this old Hawthorne last week. The rims were both painted silver with a brush. It looks like it was done many many years ago. I figured rather than strip them down and re-paint, I would try to remove the silver paint and see what was under it. Well, after a few hours of rubbing it down with acetone, I was able to bring back a usable original ratty finish. I went through the pin stripe a couple times so I may re-do that but the blue rim will go well with the old bike.

Before:


After:

 

[user 135]

I have done that same thing. It is always worth it when you see that old paint.

 

[illMATTic]

The hubs and all were painted. Good thing too. The spokes and model D hub are in awsome shape after I striped them.

 

[expjawa]

Looks good. I have a bike that I need to do that with - someone spray painted everything (grips, chain, sprockets, etc) flat black. I think that there's red under there, but am not sure...