Hi all,
Just stumbled across this thread whilst doing some research - very interesting reading. I have an Allin (Stan Butler Butler Popular Model), frame number 1421 dating from around 1958. It was a birthday gift from my Grandfather to my Father and has subsequently been gifted to me. My Grandfather and Stan Butler were friends and cycled together back in the day. With the exception of the saddle and bar-tape, everything is original. The groupset is Campagnolo Gran Sport with Coureur Plus brakes. For its age, it's in great condition (some rust and some mild pitting on the top tube) and full working order. I am completely stripping down, servicing, cleaning and rebuilding in a few weeks time. Since this is a machine that holds great nostalgic value, I am also seriously toying with the idea of a complete restoration/respray of the frame, but I am concerned that I would lose the machine's character and never fully match the colours/decals etc. I would be very interested on opinions regarding frame restoration, pros/cons and any recommendations on suitable places capable of undertaking such delicate work were I to have it done. Really in two minds about this currently....
Thanks in advance for your comments/suggestions and I will post pictures shortly.