Hitchcocks Forum

I have just acquired a Royal Enfield 250cc Clipper, circa 1954. It is in quite good condition but the paint on the front mudguard is cracked, though there doesn't seem to be any rust underneath. There are odd chips and scuffs elsewhere, such as on the tank.

Is it worth trying to match the paint colour and repainting the mudguard, and touching up elsewhere, or does that reduce the value of the bike?

James I assume its the original factory paint. Many would disagree, but personally I believe they are only original once so cracked paint and a few chips adds to the charm. As far as value goes I don't know but original 'patina' (shouldn't be reserved for antique furniture?)is quite in vogue these days. End of the day it's up to you but I prefere the old shabby look. A good site for a can of the correct colourmatch paint however is rsbikepaint.com

james ,cracked paint needs flatting back and building up etc ,i go for the used look my favourite paint at the moment is matt black brush paint from the £1 shop proper bargain,spray cans are definately not the way to go you need a spray gun or if your not too particular you need a brush ,atb paul.

It's your bike so it's up to you. Personally, I like original finishes and so do a lot of others. I would say if the rest of the bike is pretty good leave it as it is, and if money is important to you you'll probably get a better price "unrestored". BUT, and there's always a but, a 1954 250 Clipper is not a great investment vehicle. Pleasant enough bike, but one for the enthusiast really. Apart from that, as has been said, RS Bikepaint are excellent.
REgards, Mark

R.S BIKE PAINT familiar name that i remember the origional firm ,based in Barnsley, for some reason they left gods country and defected down south i can only assume they made too much money?

Thanks for the advice. I didn't buy it as an investment, just a nice bike to enjoy. I think I tend toward the 'leave it as it is' school, but just a bit worried that the flaking/cracks will lead to rust (though it's not likely to get wet too often). I gues, as it's a mudguard, it may be worth flatting it off and repainting it if I can find a matching colour.