Bicycle Mechanics - Tubing rust: how bad can it get?

I am currently riding a Katrina'ed Schwinn Super LeTour with 4130 tubing. Ive been riding it for months now, but I just got the idea to shine a flashlight down the downtube. I was greeted with a so well known orange color and rough texture. :eek: I havent had any problems yet and I have been riding it pretty hard [but hey it was free!]. Should I be afraid? Should I start looking for another frame? :(

You could try some of that Rust stopper stuff. Its a spray that basically neutralizes any rust and protects it from corroding more. Cant remember the name. Anyone know?

http://www.rustoleum.com/

JP Weigle's Frame Saver (probably just like rustoleum only more expensive)

http://www.branfordbike.com/bikecare/bcare1.html

:beer:

is this any different from the "rust converters" that i see in hardware stores?

.... Depends on a multitude of factors.

... Primarly, I've seen some amusing effects involving Rust and Seamed Tubes.

A gent had a frame with a seamed tubeset... while trying to remove the bottom bracket a crack developed across over a quarter of the down tube... straight line... Rust was evident in the crack.

To answer your original question, frames can rust all the way through. I recently saw a beautiful Olmo with a rust hole in the seat tube.

I retired the frame. On closer inspection I fount a few places where dots of rust are coming through. Since I have a nice Raleigh frame not being used, I will just use that. The LeTour is being hung on the wall. R.I.P. Thanks for all the replies.