early MCS stem questions Options

[66alfa_gtv]

I recently bought an early 6-bolt MCS stem for my Robinson resto. I received it today, and have a couple questions.
First, what kind of finishes were available on these? Mine has traces of what appears to be candy apple red paint. It looks like the original finish. It's definitely not anodized.
Second, Where these stems cast like Cook Bros or machined like a Tuf Neck?
All insight greatly appreciated!

Here are a few photos of the stem:

(IMG:http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l196/66alfagtv/mcs_3.jpg)

(IMG:http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l196/66alfagtv/mcs_4.jpg)

(IMG:http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l196/66alfagtv/mcs_2.jpg)

It definitely does not have the same finish as a Tuf Neck. There is paint remaining inside the bolt holes and where the bars are held. If I flake away this paint, it has the same look as a Cook Bros seat post clamp or Cook Bros stem clamps.
If these parts are not cast, perhaps they put the machined pieces in a tumbler to smooth the edges?
Also, you can see what appears to be some fairly large machine marks on the side of the stem.

[TONE]

cant help you with much but I can add a little.

i had an nos 6 bolt stem just like yours in a silver finish.

it was absolutely not polished.

it was more of a natural, milled finish.

you could see the graining of the metal.

sorta like how you finished your pedals recently.

if you arent sold on redoing it red, you could easily finish that way and it would look very close to factory original.

[agentheinz]

It looks like it was cast, then cleaned up on a disc sander (hence the radial machine marks on the sides), then tumbled. But really, that's a guess.

[Greg_Hanna]

I believe they were extruded (like the original hutch stems), cut from the extruded stock with a band saw and then machined on some surfaces. I have only seen annodized or raw, never seen a "painted" one.

[daveolear]

I had one from 1980, it came painted black, loved it, used it for 3 seasons, never slipped.

This post has been edited by daveolear: Sep 3 2009, 01:49 PM

[agentheinz]

What Greg said, that could be too...

[Jeremy K.]

Someone's got to make a 1 1/8" version of those!

jk

[66alfa_gtv]

I believe they were extruded (like the original hutch stems), cut from the extruded stock with a band saw and then machined on some surfaces. I have only seen annodized or raw, never seen a "painted" one.

The marks on the sides of the stem would make sense according to what Greg is saying.
It's possible someone painted this stem over the years. I need to look a little closer at it.
I will treat it the same way I treated my Reedy pedals - a very careful, sympathetic restoration. I do not plan on painting it either.
Anyone have a sticker for one of these?

[TONE]

I think I actually might have an mcs decal for it.

I will go thru my box of stickers and see what I got.

I'll let ya know.

The marks on the sides of the stem would make sense according to what Greg is saying.
It's possible someone painted this stem over the years. I need to look a little closer at it.
I will treat it the same way I treated my Reedy pedals - a very careful, sympathetic restoration. I do not plan on painting it either.
Anyone have a sticker for one of these?

[66alfa_gtv]

That would be incredible, Tone.