As I saw it I had two options:
1) Splurge and get the real deal
- PROS: Authentic, accurate, detailed, thin to apply before a final clearcoat
- CONS: Not forgiving (due to fragility from being a thin film), requires significant scrilla
2) Get a vinyl decal recreation
- PROS: Forgiving, cheap as a date night at In-N-Out Burger, many size options
- CONS: Less detailed graphics, potentially as lame as a date night at In-N-Out Burger (although Animal-Style never disappoints), Requires multi-layered painting using the decals as a negative stencil
I decided to go with a combination of the two - vinyl recreation templates for the down tube and a thin-film decal for the head tube badge. It turned out quite nicely, but did require a fairly involved stepwise painting process.
In my decal search, I also sent a request to a general information e-mail address on Bianchi's "Contattaci" web page. I gave the description of the bike, era of manufacture, and even a photo of its original state. I heard nothing back, so I assumed that I was on my own. Well, about 6 weeks later, I received an envelope from Italy... Inside was a stapled plastic bag filled with some Bianchi stickers that I've never seen before:
These were stickers (not decals) and the head tube badge was quite thick (2-3mm). They also came with some crazy wavy graphics that look pretty awkward. I'm not sure what I'll use these for since the project is finished. I guess I could get a cheap Huffy from Craigslist, slap on some stickers, and pawn it off on an unsuspecting newbie. However, I have a soul (and steadfast velo-ethics to boot). I could search for another Bianchi in need of a new life, but a set of free stickers is a terrible justification to purchase another bike (...maybe). So, if any of you out there are interested and have a worthy cause (no Huffy re-badging), e-mail me at: dylan (at) nippleworks.com.
Finally, I would like to say that even though it took awhile, Bianchi responded to my inquiry and gave me some free loot. I appreciate any company that will do that for a customer 7000 miles away.
2 comments:
Holy crap! After my posting, I just noticed that the photo of the vinyl decals are missing some dotting of the "i"'s. The vinyl decals that I bought (not the ones in the photo) were quite accurate, but BEWARE of scammers when you take this route!
I'm still wondering what the wavey stickers are about, but it was cool that they gave you some free stuff including a head badge. Perhaps the wavey stuff could be used to soup up a neighborhood kid's like-a-bike.
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