Does anyone know of a good frame restorer/rebuilder? I have an old Colnago frame from the late 80s that needs the seat stays replaced and an overall paint job. I'd like to get it done somewhere that will do a sympathetic job, keeping it as close to the original as possible.

Any suggestions?

Hi Barry
I think you posted on this before (was it the IVCA website?).
I have quite a few old frames and have done the rounds in Ireland: there is nowhere that will do structural repairs, infact even nowhere that will do a nice paint job/rechrome even.
There are tons in the UK (Mercian, Dave Lloys etc) that are very high quality.
Every small town in the UK had a (steel) frame builder in the old days-some remain.
The problem is the expense of P&P, plus it's an expensive procces too.
Yoy probably would not get much change out of £400 if you went with Mercian incl P&P if you want some structural work and a paint.

Thanks Malcolm. I know there are none left here (Raparee did very good work, but they're gone). I also know there are quite a few in the UK but any of the well known places I've asked so far have been so-so about whether they could match the old seat stays. I suppose I'm looking for recommendations for somewhere that will share my enthusiasm for this old frame!

I also know that this is not really worth while from a purely financial point of view, but I want to have a go anyway. As you've realised, I had a look at the possibilities before, and didn't get anywhere. I've decided to try again.