jPrichard10 

I'm keeping this, but just curious. I paid $25.

Some of the paint is chipped, but I don't see any surface rust.

bikemig 

$25 is about right for a rattle canned Trek like this. Prices are high in Portland, though. This will make a great platform for a lock up bike.

Edit: I originally thought this was an ishiwata main triangle only. It's a complete ishiwata tubing set so this is a decent deal for that frame.

lostarchitect 

I would buy basically any non-destroyed cro-mo frame for $25, rattle canned or not. I think that was a sweet deal, and since you don't have to worry about messing up the original paint, you can repaint it however you want. Have fun!

2old

IMO, a steal @ $100.

mrv 

Nice! Definitely a steel. I mean a steal.
It would be well worth putting a new coat of pain on while it's stripped of parts. https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...paint-job.html -- using an $8 can of Rustoleum
Or go up market and use spray paint and spend like $50 for a can of primer, 2 cans of color, and can of clear.
Or go crazy and get a powder coat.

jPrichard10 

It's getting a powder coat for sure.

mrv 

- I've heard a very few people make the argument that powder coating is basically plastic wrapping a bike, with the negative consequence being moisture getting trapped under the coating.
That said, the counter argument would be all the bikes made by SURLY. I had a custom steel road race frame powder coated mid '90s. Fast forward 20 years there was corrosion going through a number of the tubes - down tube, seat tube, chain stays. I was going to re-powder it.
I do not know the root cause. Could have been water in the frame that I failed to address with basic maintenance (Frame Saver!) . Could have been the builder allowing some heat affected zone. Could have been the multiple re-coats the builder and powder coated did trying to get the 2 colors right (this was a first time powder coating for the builder and coater.....). I had access to a spray booth and oven a few years ago an powder coated about 4 frames I got on the cheap. It's definitely tougher than a wet paint.

Nonetheless, I may be getting my Bianchi trail bike re-coated this year - picked it up about 2 years ago for $60 complete. I am debating between a pro-powder coating or possibly giving the SprayBike product a try. Presently it's sporting 3 color rattle can job I did last spring. I was looking to play around with a color fade scheme. It's OK if you don't get too close to the bike.

This looks like you have a nice project bike. Looking forward to see how it shakes out!
Cheers!

2old

I've had several frames acid dipped and powder coated, and been very happy with the results.

jPrichard10 

Yeah, I've had several bikes powder coated with no ill effects as well.

the trick will be trying to match the specific paint color I'm looking for with powder coat (Ice Blue Metallic Imeon paint).

SJX426 

@jPrichard10 - Nice acquisition! Your should check the fork. There are a couple of years where the fork leg/ crown joint failed over time. There is a thread on C&V about it but I don't have the link. It was a couple of years ago.
The fork crown shown looks like the candidate.

jPrichard10 

Yes, this is one of those forks, sadly. I thought it wasn't original because I've only seen the Trek cast fork crowns on Treks of this era, but it definitely matches the profile of the forks sent over from Japan in the early 80s.

I'm keeping the fork on it and I'll monitor it often. While we've heard about multiple failures, that still makes it a very rare occurrence.

Mad Honk 

jP,
The powder coat is going to be in the light blue prismatic color package. I have done three in the blueberry but it is darker, so look for the shades a bit lighter. The decals will go out tomorrow and you might want to contact the factory for the head badge. I am pretty sure you are gonna like this frame and the way it rides. Great purchase! Smiles, MH

SJX426 

@jPrichard10 - Well it lasted this long, might be OK. Glad you know about it.