Northern California - Rust Never Sleeps. How to get rid of it?
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BenRidin
08-18-08, 05:31 PM
My daughter inherited a fine old Ross steel frame ladies bike from her cousin. She asked me to fix it up so she can take it w/ her to college. It might be futile, but me thinks I'm up for the challenge.
My first of question (of perhaps many) is how does one get the frame clean from the rust spots? Is there some magic formula for doing this?
BR
Are you going to do a complete strip down and rebuild? new paint etc.
BenRidin
08-18-08, 06:52 PM
Are you going to do a complete strip down and rebuild? new paint etc.
Oh gawd no!
Just taking off the old components, clean them up, put on a new chain, rid the rust from the frame and wheels. Just give a little love to the bike. It is after all, going up to Corvallis and I fear it will get stolen if its too nice.
BR
sweetnsourbkr
08-18-08, 08:49 PM
Leave it. It speaks character.
To do it right for long term, the rust has to be chemically treated and converted to an oxide with something like Extend, Navel Jelly. But that involves probably damaging the paint because you need bare metal.
I guess for a quick job, maybe you can just use rubbing compound and re-wax?
Somebody in the Mechanics forum may have ideas too.
BlastRadius
08-18-08, 09:39 PM
Rust Reformer probably works similar to Extend. You could just put Rust Reformer right over the rust without stripping the paint. I should protect it some.
http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGProduct.asp?pid=40&sid=215215
jonathanb715
08-18-08, 11:22 PM
White vinegar works really well, as well as most commercial rust removers. You really have to let it soak in for several hours, and you can then lightly sand to get rid of the loose scale. Safe, non-toxic, environmentally friendly. This is what I use on my old MG's small parts. For larger parts, such as a frame, you'll need to figure out a way to keep soaking the area down for a long time.
You will need to treat and paint the metal after, though, or else you'll be doing it again pretty quickly.
JB
BenRidin
08-18-08, 11:27 PM
Thanks guys. I polled the student too.
She looked at me horrified and said to leave it. "...Gave it character..."
Sheeese. Shoulda done that to begin with.
BR