Patina?

[simon.holyfield]

Chaps,

What do you think of this tank? It's a SQ4 tank in first paint, but it's pretty scabby & faded. Most of the lining is on its last legs and there is some burning where the badge brackets have been repaired.

Use as-is or repaint?

[nevhunter]

Get the linework touched up by a swordbrush expert and keep it as is. There's still plenty of shiny bikes. Nev

[tstewart]

I like a bike which looks loved and used. There are plenty of bikes around that look better than the day they were manufactured and I think that says good things about the restorer. But the bikes I love to look at are the ones that look as if they are ridden regularly to work, shops etc. But that is just my opinion.

[simon.holyfield]

A few more pictures :

[simon.holyfield]

In this one you can see how milky the paint on the top has become. Why does that happen?

[Paul Slootheer]

Simon, I would keep it as it is...
I got good results with dull paint by the use of cleaner. It will brighten up all old and dull paintwork and comes is diff. grades.
But take care with the linings!
Regards, Paul

[Bob.Murphy]

I would restore it to 'as new' if it was mine.

but that's just me (I like shiny, polished bikes ).

Bob.

[Keith.owen]

Hi,
I would restore it and ride it ; you'd be surprised but after a year or so of use it will accumulate the odd nick, there is always some grease to which dirt sticks and which will tend to stay put (unless you spend four hours every Saturday cleaning it). Tt will get it's own patina quickly enough!!

Keith

[Leejm]

The dull milk like paint is just oxidation, a cutting compound like g3 will sort that out. Then a polish it will look great again. Lee

[alan.moore]

I would say it depends on the finish on the rest of the bike. If it is all original and you can live with the bike being in a well used / oil rag state then leave it as it is.
I also like shiny bikes so I would restore it.