1989Pre 

I don't want to use a contemporary, adhesive chainstay protector. There used to be the clear type of plastic chainstay guard that clips on to the chainstay (it expands when you press it on). I can't find one anywhere. Anybody know a potential source?
I was thinking of asking Ben's Cycle or Old Spokes Home, but I haven't contacted them yet.

juvela

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it may be that they all broke

recall them as clear and prone to yellowing

with time they embrittled and so were crack prone


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merziac

They were just pliable, hard, clear tubing, should be able to get some at TAP plastics or the like. Tapered may be a challenge and I never liked them as sand and grit can get trapped in them and wreak havoc.

1989Pre 

I wouldn't mind having to clean under-neath occasionally and replacing every year, but Merziac's observation has me concerned (it is a new and professional paint-job). I'll have to admit that it's been "a while" ('85?) since I've used one.

merziac

And I am currently testing "Duck" easy start, semi removable clear tape to protect paint from the velcro strap tailight that could likely be a good option.

obrentharris 

Merziac's recollection is the same as mine. Dirt and grit were caught under the "protector" and wreaked havoc with the paint.
Brent

repechage

I recall those on Varsity’s and Continental’s
maybe a legacy Schwinn shop?

we would use a section of cloth handlebar tape.
yeah, sacrificial

Chuck M 

I found this one that appears to be what you are wanting. https://www.bicycleheaven.org/produc...ic-vintage-nos But I don't think they are worth the asking price.

I have two old Takara survivors that still have them on the chain stays. I don't know if they have been on the bikes for 43 years, but I don't have a reason to doubt they have been. Both bikes seem to have been inside their entire lives with one of them being on a Sears Roebuck trainer from the 70s. They've yellowed a little bit, but not terribly. When I clean the bikes, I am careful when removing them so grit trapped beneath them doesn't harm the paint. Mine aren't for sale though because the originality they give makes me warm and fuzzy.

merziac

No way in you know what would I put one of those on a new paint job, the clear tape I'm testing is to protect a new paint job even though the light does very little damage as far as I can tell in regular use elsewhere but hopefully taking no chances with new paint.

smontanaro 

I'm looking for something similar for my drive side chainstays. I don't find anything when searching called "semi removable" though. Is it just Duck Easy Start tape, or are you working with some variant I've yet to stumble upon?

1989Pre 

Merziac, Duck is a good brand of masking-tape, so I would be inclined to search them out if I go clear. I see that Mr. Tuffy has one, too.

Brent, thanks. I'm glad I asked.

Repechage, it is funny that you mentioned that, because that is exactly what I did last night, after revising my strategy. The Newbaum's "eggplant" looks good on the lavender paint job. I had never heard of doing this.

Chuck, I think I'll take others' advice and go with a protector that actually adheres. Thanks.

merziac

Yep, that's it, hopefully it will come off without pulling up the paint, its been on for a few days and I will see if it wants to come off in a few more.