Classic & Vintage - Removing rust from seat and steering tube of 1979 Raleigh Super Grand Prix

I inherited a 1979 Raleigh Super Grand Prix from my grandfather, and I am trying to restore it to ride-able condition. The steering tube and seat tube both have a substantial amount of rust in them, and I am wondering how to get it off.

Now before you tell me to check the forums, I have collectively spent about two weeks worth of time reading forums on here about how to remove rust, and I have gotten a barrage of different methods, and am thoroughly confused and how and what to use. Also, take 15 mins and try to find a thread that talks specifically about removing rust from seat and/or steering tubes.

Also, the rust, by and large, is confined to the seat and steering tubes. I am looking for a way to specifically target those areas. If that is not feasibly possible, I am open to submerging the frame in a "bath". My only concern with the bath tactic is possible damage to the paint from the rust cleaner.

I have three cats and a dog at my house, so whatever I end up using, I want it to be 100% pet-safe.

Simplest and safest way would be to submerge the rusted parts & frame in a plastic kiddie pool full of white vinegar for several days. Oxalic acid will do a better job faster, but requires special handling. I'd also try wiping down everything with some NEVRDULL wadding first. A lot of rust can be on the surface and clean up surprisingly well and quickly with NEVRDULL before getting into use of cleaning acids. I'd also recommend using Wenol or Simichrome polish on the plated materials. For paint use Scratch-X, carefully away from the decals, and a regular car cleaner/polish from Mother's for the overall coat.

Either:

A. Submerge the entire frame and fork in an Oxalic bath and the use a automotice brake hone in the seat and steerer tubes to fine tune them or:
B. Use a rounded file to clean up the inside of the seat and steerer tubes and then use the hone or:
C. Use file only
C. Use the hone only

The method you choose is dependant on how deep you want to get inot the job

Has anyone ever seen a brass brush, except shaped like a bottle brush?

Something like this (http://www.solobrushes.com/WebCatg2.asp?Cat1ID=4&Cat2ID=6), except with brass bristles?

I'd get "bung" plugs and plug the tubes on one end and pour rust restorer in.

I'd get "bung" plugs and plug the tubes on one end and pour rust restorer in.


Maybe plumbers putty.

would the fact that it's a steel frame change anything?

The best way is oxalic acid for painted and chrome parts. It's sold as woodbleach at Sherwin Williams. Use a kiddie pool from wall mart. You need toremove the components from the frame. Any chrome parts removed like stem,handlebars, etc can be put in. Don't try it on anodized or galvanized parts, anddon't or any parts that are not painted steel or chrome. So this won't work foryour seat because you would not want it on the leather. Oxalic acid is mild andwill break down rust because rust is loosely held molecule. You need to wear rubbergloves. Throw say 1/2 cup in warm water in the pool. Brush the parts say everytwo hours and in 4 to 6 hours of submersion it should do it. Dump out pool andrefill with clean water and put in baking soda and re-submerge jut to neutralizethe steel. Coat with wax. Oh, clean everything first with SimpleGreen,SuperGreen, or mineral spirits to get off any oil grease.

Is the rust on the inside or outside?

If outside, another option is to wrap the parts in question in vinegar soaked paper towels, then wrap in plastic wrap. Similar effects as the bath, without the actual bath. Also, this could eliminate the need to disassemble the bike - though this may be needed anyway.

PHT - I picked some up at Harbor Freight (http://www.harborfreight.com/10-piece-tube-brush-kit-95947.html).

inside the seat tube and the steering tube, though i'm willing to bet that it's all over the inside of the frame

Miyata 110, that's a great idea! I just bought an older Peugeot that has rust on it and I am going to try the paper towel/plastic wrap idea. With 4 little ones at my house it would be impossible to have any kiddie pool with any chemical and the kids not in it:) Do you boil the white vinegar to make it more concentrated, or do you use the normal concentration? How long do you keep the paper towels on?

Simplest and safest way would be to submerge the rusted parts & frame in a plastic kiddie pool full of white vinegar for several days.

What concentration should I use for white vinegar? Would it affect old paint and decals at all? Would I need to scrape the rust residue off afterwards?

http://www.spiralbrushes.com/cylinder.html

What concentration should I use for white vinegar? Would it affect old paint and decals at all? Would I need to scrape the rust residue off afterwards?

Google is your friend. Rust removal has been discussed thoroughly in at least 500 threads.

Google: oxalic acid site:bikeforums.net