Columbia restoration dilemma... What would you do?

[Curt A]

I have had a nice Columbia BF for several years, which I upgraded to 2/4 minute play and a BKT 2/4 minute machine. I recently obtained a fixer upper 2 minute BKT for a reasonable price.

Here is my dilemma: I removed the backmount from the recently obtained BK(T) and discovered that it appeared to have been placed on the machine at a later date and was fastened with a piece of galvanized steel inside. The holes look too neat to be old and there is no scarring to indicate that the backmount was there for very long and the finish underneath looks the same as the surrounding areas. Since I already have an original BKT, do I restore the recently obtained machine as a BK or BKT? Or as another option, should I install the backmount on my BF and convert in to a BFT? I have enough parts to make this change, but does it make it more or less desirable by making this modification?

If I restore the BK as a BKT, I am fairly certain that this is not its original configuration. The case has two holes that would have to be filled to change it back to front mount, if I go that route, what would be the best way to fill the holes?

I fully expect a number of varying opinions on this, but am asking to see if there is any consensus.

[Le0]

if the holes are already there for a blacket, I'd put the bracket. I fixed a Triumph A someone thought it would be smart to install handles on both sides. I filled the holes with putty then I added layers of acrylic paint to get the color and finally grained the repair to match.

you can have a look to that Triumph here.

[Curt A]

Thanks, Leo... your repair looks great.