Anyone have any ideas or thoughts on this bike

[sfscott]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3691049611

I came across this, and it caught my eye. It's old enough to be made in Italy, and with a little love from Joe Bell and some new components, I was wondering if this would be a worthwhile project.

I know the Masi brand, but not the bike model. I have emailed the seller about approximate age and rust issues.

What else should I be asking?

[sfscott]

Would this bike have enough space to accomodate a 9 or 10 speed rear wheel?

[Elefantino]

As it is now, no. It's 126mm rear spaced, but you could have the frame cold-set to 130mm (or you could do it yourself; I'd have a shop do it, though) to accommodate a bigger rear.

It could accommodate 7 speeds, which would allow you to use Sachs Ergo shifters.

[victoryfactory]

SFScott;

I'll tell you one thing about that bike, you will have a hard time finding
any smoother ride than an old Masi with steel fork.

I had one like that back in the day, it was magic.

If It were my bike, I'd have it painted original blue with original decals recreated by the painter (good painters can do that)
Also I'd consider retaining the super record parts (unless it was to be my
main ride, in which case I'd upgrade to modern campy)

either way, go for it!

VF, whose romantic memory of old italian steel may be clouded by time.