Benotto 3000? Restoration advice

[stringfellow1946]

If it was me I would get it someone who knows how to sand blast a frame correctly to remove all the paint & then get it sprayed professionally (NOT POWDER COATED) & they will fit the correct decals & lacquer over them. It looks like an old original 3000 Benetto & if it is they are well worth preserving plus they are worth a bob or two.

 

[COUPES]

Re:

Hope there is chrome under the paint on the forks, Paul and frame too!
Just cant make out the numbers on the bottom bracket. Personally I'm not a fan of media blasting on a frame and prefer to strip by hand with nitromores or similar. You can see what colour it was too.
Restoration and painting can be alot unless you know a good painter.
Argos are supposed to be the best but pricey. Don't know where you are but other companies are around. Brilliant find!

Simon

 

[PaulSE]

What was the 1800 that was also around about the same time? I seem to think the 3000 had a ring around the Benotto in the seat stay cap. Or is my memory failing yet again. Curse my 1950's date of birth

Shaun

I think the Campag dropouts and diamond chain stays rule out a 1800.

Thanks for all the advice. I'll report back when I've made some progress with the restoration. Is a car body shop a good place to go for a respray?

 

[COUPES]

Re:

They can be as they have the right equipment and can bake the paint, Paul. If it is a chrome frame be careful stripping it. Hopefully it is and chrome in good condition under the yuk yellow lol.

Simon

 

[PaulSE]

Thanks Simon
Yeah i'll definitely go the chemical route I've got a source for pre-ban 'old style' paint stripper that burns your fingers.
I'm in east London /Essex if anyone has a recommendation for painting.
The only acceptable occasion to have your bike sprayed yellow is when you're leading the Tour.

 

[COUPES]

Re:

Look up Armourtex in Hackney Paul.

 

[Rod_Saetan]

Armourtex only do powder coat, I'd speak to Bob Jackson, similar quality work to Argos but less money. There is a shop in East London with some Benottos that could help with the refurb.

 

[PaulSE]

Thanks Rod, yes I've decided on wet painting and was going to contact Bob Jackson and also Colourtech in Dartford where I could drop off and collect. Feels very nice to ride only weighs 19lbs, plan is to hand strip the existing paint and get the repaint done over the winter, I haven't looked yet but if the forks need rechroming I know a place in Southend who are reasonable but i expect that may still be the biggest single expense.

 

[NeilM]

Re:

DO NOT go to ColourTech.

There is nothing wrong with their work, they were Chas Roberts painter and I believe the late Ron Cooper's too, but my frame took over 6 months to get painted and that was with Brian at CR chasing them, and they had another forum members frame for over a year, then sent it back damaged.

 

[Mike Muz]

Re:

DO NOT go to ColourTech.

There is nothing wrong with their work, they were Chas Roberts painter and I believe the late Ron Cooper's too, but my frame took over 6 months to get painted and that was with Brian at CR chasing them, and they had another forum members frame for over a year, then sent it back damaged.

I'll second that!

Heard a lot of bad things about them. As the owner of a Bob Jackson, I'd go back to them if I wanted a re-spray on one of my frames. Excellent service. The frameset, built to my spec, arrived only a day later than the 6 weeks they said. Paintwork is lovely!

Mike