A little context first. This bike is very sentimental to me. It was my brother’s hand me down before he tragically passed away. I rode it throughout my college years for commute, pleasure, and exercise. It was stolen from my backyard, and I miraculously got it back 6 months later after a friendly houseless guy pulled up to my concert on it and I offered to buy it back. I imagine the bike went through some crazy adventures while out of my hands because it was in pretty bad shape when I got it back.
The frame was bent up, and I got that fixed. Now I’m looking to get the paint and decals redone. Problem is, none of the decals on the internet match my bike exactly. There are some decal packs on eBay that are close, but are either the wrong color or wrong font (I think Miyata may have switched fonts at some point).
I found the paint color for it. Is there a specific release/edition of my bike that could clue me into finding the exact decals? Is there a person out there that could make the decals custom? It is a 1980s Miyata 310.
Having some help on this would mean the world to me. I’m far from a veteran to the bicycle customization/restoration, so maybe there’s a solution I don’t know about.
Thanks!
by JeepRoller
2 Comments
Creating an exact replica might be tricky, but I would personally try it with a vinyl cutting machine.
The easiest way would be to choose “permanent” vinyl and stick it on the frame, essentially as a sticker. In that case you just paint the frame one colour and put the stickers on later. The main downside is the logos would be one colour, and may not last forever since they are just stickers.
The more difficult version would be using removable vinyl and use that to mask certain parts in the painting process so you get permanent and better looking results with potentially multiple colours. The process is more difficult though.
I understand the sentimental aspect but I feel you are putting too much effort in the aesthetics of the bicycle. Be glad that through some miracle that bicycle is back in your possession. I would give it a major tune up and a good cleaning. The battle scars are the ‘history’ of what that bicycle has been through. But that’s just me. I’ve lost a lot of bicycles through the years and have never retrieved any back. But doesn’t stop me from looking.