Bicycle Mechanics - How to clean old steel frame?

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.



PDA

View Full Version : How to clean old steel frame?

redfooj
03-23-04, 09:46 PM
ran a search with "clean & frame & bike" query but no dice

I have this ole Steel bike with grease cake.... adhesive stuff from sticker removal, and assorted dirt and grime associated with old junk :D

what's the best way to remove that stuff for a clean new frame? i wish it was titanium so i could just sand everything away leaving bare metal :D

redfooj
03-23-04, 10:41 PM
yeah..the stickers peeled off quite easily..

i just want a general cleaning.. which includes assorted stains and grime but predominantly that sticker/adhesive gunk
randya
03-23-04, 11:21 PM
Eucalyptus oil may work fine..I've also had success with orange oil-based adhesive removers. Simple Green, or turpentine, for removing stubborn dried oil and grease.

pyze-guy
03-24-04, 12:53 AM
I use car engine citrus degreaser. Works great and can be used to get chain goo off pant cuffs.
Daily Commute
03-24-04, 05:43 AM
To get dirt, grease and grime off my steel frame, I use a bucket of water with dishwashing soap (like Dawn) and plastic bristled brushes (one big, one medium, and one old tooth brush). It's cheap, non-toxic, and works great.
lotek
03-24-04, 08:32 AM
I've used Goo Gone (or Goof off) to clean up after gluing tubulars, and for other areas where
glue/adhesive is left behind. It works a little easier than Orange oil based cleaners
and isn't toxic, lethal, etc.
it will also work on tar, and other assorted gunk that collects on the bottom bracket
and downtube.

Marty
GreenFix
03-24-04, 02:07 PM
ran a search with "clean & frame & bike" query but no dice

I have this ole Steel bike with grease cake.... adhesive stuff from sticker removal, and assorted dirt and grime associated with old junk :D

what's the best way to remove that stuff for a clean new frame? i wish it was titanium so i could just sand everything away leaving bare metal :D


WD40 works for some of the adhesive and oily stuff.
daddyfat
04-01-04, 09:02 AM
ran a search with "clean & frame & bike" query but no dice

I have this ole Steel bike with grease cake.... adhesive stuff from sticker removal, and assorted dirt and grime associated with old junk :D

what's the best way to remove that stuff for a clean new frame? i wish it was titanium so i could just sand everything away leaving bare metal :D


I dont' know about bike frames, but a cheaper version of goo gone is standard lighter fluid, you should be able to find it at any drug store, again, try it on something steel other than the bike first just to make sure it doesn't have any bad side effects.