Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - powdercoating (in minneapolis) as a rust solution

my newly acquired vintage marinoni track frameset has a little rust on the top headlug and underneath the top tube. nothing severe, just a bit of bubbling. i want to stop the problem quickly, and i was planning to get the bike sandblasted/powdercoated.

is that a safe way to stop the rust?

also, any color recommendations? and does anyone know of a good place to get a powdercoat done for $150ish in minneapolis?

I got my frame powdercoated a couple months ago at Midland Metal Finishing in Northeast. Very decent people over there. I got mine coated for 50 bucks. This was however because, I was willing to get my frame coated with the colors they were using on their 'big' jobs at the time. This happened to be matte black, which was fine with me. It turned out really well, and they were very nice to deal with.

To stop the rust, you, or someone would want to remove the existing rust. If you have someone sandblast, make sure they know that heavy blasting can really put tubing out of whack if done wrong. You may just be able to sand it yourself, and then take it to get powdercoated. Look forward to seeing it done. Cheers!

Does powdercoating a frame affect the look of the lugs? As in loss of definition? I'd like to get the Eisentraut refinished. Just picked up my BB and cranks today!.

Not sure if this is typical, but my lugs ended up being much more defined.

Awesome.
I need all the help I can get defining my lugs.

Don't we all

Do not sandblast your frames! Specify BEADblasting. This is far easier on the metal and will insure details remain intact.
If you take the frame to be blasted yourself, handle the bare frame with clean gloves and be sure it's coated the same day. Otherwise (especially if you live in a humid environment) micro rust will begin and you'll have the same problem all over again, just under new powdercoat!
And if you really want to try to halt the rust, treat the insides of the tubes with a coating agent like JP Wiegle, or Tube Prep. Just be sure to do this AFTER powdercoating, trust me!

And if you really want to try to halt the rust, treat the insides of the tubes with a coating agent like JP Wiegle, or Tube Prep. Just be sure to do this AFTER powdercoating, trust me!
Uhh Yeah AFTER would definately be better. Since you're in the Cities might I suggest Vikings Purple or Wild Green?

Better make that Purple Rain, sucka.
http://home.mcihispeed.net/~efa/images/prince_purple_rain.jpg

Word on the GITS SAC face.

Do not sandblast your frames! Specify BEADblasting. This is far easier on the metal and will insure details remain intact.
If you take the frame to be blasted yourself, handle the bare frame with clean gloves and be sure it's coated the same day. Otherwise (especially if you live in a humid environment) micro rust will begin and you'll have the same problem all over again, just under new powdercoat!
And if you really want to try to halt the rust, treat the insides of the tubes with a coating agent like JP Wiegle, or Tube Prep. Just be sure to do this AFTER powdercoating, trust me!

LV2TNDM - can you recommend any good media blasters and/or powder coaters in your area? - thanks, Matthew

Does powdercoating a frame affect the look of the lugs? As in loss of definition? I'd like to get the Eisentraut refinished. Just picked up my BB and cranks today!.

unless you'd paint your car with a brush and some house paint I would not powdercoat an Eisentraut. beater lugged frame, yes. Eisentraut, no. you will lose definition.

unless you'd paint your car with a brush and some house paint I would not powdercoat an Eisentraut. beater lugged frame, yes. Eisentraut, no. you will lose definition.

Agreed!! I've had six frames powdercoated, and all (well, the 4 lugged frames) have lost lug definition. This was the goal with two of the bikes, as I was turning rather sharp and angular race bikes into fixie coffee cruisers.

Also, unless the folks doing the pc'ing are super careful and do lots of bikes (unlike the last one I used) be prepared to have lots of powder in your threads. Either have a nice tap and die set, or a great relationship with your fav. LBS.

Eep.
Thanks for the heads up.
Maybe i'll do the sandpaper and clear fingernail polish job until I can afford a job well done.

unless you'd paint your car with a brush and some house paint I would not powdercoat an Eisentraut. beater lugged frame, yes. Eisentraut, no. you will lose definition.

and what is my marinoni? chopped liver?

lets shift the discussion to painting, then...anyone know any good painters in minneapolis? and prices?

Marinoni are perfectly happy to repaint frames their own frames. I know it's not local, but still... your frame might love you for it.

m.

and what is my marinoni? chopped liver?
lets shift the discussion to painting, then...anyone know any good painters in minneapolis? and prices?

sorry, I didn’t mean to imply your Marinoni was a beater. I wasn’t even thinking about the original post when I replied.

paint is pretty pricey, especially if the painter has a reputation as being a good bicycle painter. $150 may be cutting it close.

they aren’t local but it will give you an idea

http://www.southwestframeworks.com/paint.htm

I want a blood splatter paint scheme. With CARCASS spelled out along the top tube.