Classic & Vintage - How to remove rust like this:

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss171/GlachDuwat/IMG_3404.jpg

So I've been starting this project, and began to try and remove some surface rust from the bike frame.

I don't plan on re-painting the bike, nor do I really plan on doing a FULL restore, I am just trying to touch the bike up and make it look nice.

I tried using Oxalic Acid, first pretty diluted, then in a concentrated paste, that removed some of the worst rust from the frame. But not spots like the above.

Then I tried Muriatic Acid of varying concentrations, but that still left the rust there.


here are a couple extra Pictures:

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss171/GlachDuwat/IMG_3408.jpg

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss171/GlachDuwat/IMG_3405.jpg

The two close ups are some of the worst spots.

Any suggestions?

Should I just lightly sand it, in those spots, apply some rust converter and Paint over it? Should I really not worry about light rust like that?

Most of that appears to be on top of the paint. Try some rubbing compound and car polish.

Most of that appears to be on top of the paint. Try some rubbing compound and car polish.

Rubbing Compound? brand suggestion? If it were on top of the paint, why didnt the different acids take it off?

Thanks for the suggestions!

First step to oxalic is to disassemble the bike, and soak it in a kiddie pool or similar. Don't use muriatic acid!

And think dilute. Do a google search of this forum, and you will find endless threads on how to do it.

Without observing your process, I have no idea why it did not work. I have used oxalic on at least 50 bikes, just did one yesterday.

I had been warned to not use Muriatic, but after the oxalic failed to achieve desired results, I decided to try it out. Only in one spot on the bike, and started out with very diluted concentration, to more intense mixtures, with nothing more than some fizzing on the ground when I spilled a little happening.

I'll search and see what it says.

OA seems to turn rust into a pasty mud.Might just be left over residue that needs to be cleaned off.You could try a Mr.clean magic eraser followed up with some Megs polish as this has worked well for myself.

+1 that those discolorations may not be rust, looks like the bike came into contact with some painted materials or objects that rubbed off on it.

Do a google search for this site containing the key words "turtle wax red" and "turtle wax white." I think those are two of the rubbing compounds people use. Or Meguiar's Scratch-x (I think I spelled that wrong but Google will help you out).

+1 that those discolorations may not be rust, looks like the bike came into contact with some painted materials or objects that rubbed off on it.

Do a google search for this site containing the key words "turtle wax red" and "turtle wax white." I think those are two of the rubbing compounds people use. Or Meguiar's Scratch-x (I think I spelled that wrong but Google will help you out).

+1 more.

I wonder if the rust has stained the paint, that might help to explain why the oxalic acid had little impact. If that turns out to be the case, the rubbing compound (also marketed as "paint cleaner" by a few companies) should remove most of it.

Thanks for all the suggestions! I will try to get a hold of some of this Rubbing compound. The OA had no trouble removing some of the rust, so it would make sense that this discoloration is no longer the rust. thanks!