A question for collector's...

[mpzpw3]

I seem to be in a bit of a dilema, and need a little help.

I was digging through a box of junk at a train store, and came across a Lionel B-unit frame. I have a well-abused Lionel Santa Fe B-unit that has a frame with a big rectangular hole cut in it. I thought this frame would be a good replacement. I asked the owner what he wanted for it, and the price was very, very good!! A little silver paint, and I will be good to go.

Now for the problem. The frame is in almost perfect condition. The ladders are intact, and under inspection, the screw holes that hold the shell onto the frame have never had a screw in them. The frame is in much better condition than my old beat up b-unit.  Not sure if I should go ahead and paint it, or sell it to someone who has a need for it for a better b-unit than mine.

This is not an attempt to sell it here. It is an attempt to get a few opinions before I Krylon silver the thing, and then worry that I shouldn't have. Thanks in advance for any opinions you have.

[Anonymous]

Personally, I would use the frame the way it is.  I have been in this type of situation before, and when I have made the decision to repaint something that may not have needed repainting, I regret it.  I feel that original is best.  Original pieces have a certain character that restored items seem to lack.

[mpzpw3]

  I don't think the frame would look right with the 2343's if I left it black. I will probably go ahead and paint it silver to match the other units. I just hate to do this with such a nice, original peice.

[Dave Farquhar]

Can you trade the frame for a less pristine one? That's what the preservationist in me would be inclined to do.  There's no buy/sell/trade board here, but there's one at OGR. I'd post over there before breaking out the spray paint. It would preserve a small piece of history and might even leave you with a few dollars in your pocket.