Drwecki

Hey all, I got a nice pair of vintage wheels with araya rims (26 by 1 and 3/8ths from the 60s) That I want to de rust. I started using oxalic acid (I use the 1.50 bottle of bartenders friend). I didn't realize that I could just soak the beast in the oxalic acid and it would clean it off. I kind of want to soak the entire wheels in there... but is there anyway to keep the water acid mixture out of my hubs? Any ideas?

Thanx

Brian

Iowegian

If you have galvanized spokes be careful with the oxylic acid. It will ruin the galvanizing.

If you have stainless spokes - unlikely for a 60's wheel - you could just do one section of rim at a time. Otherwise, I'd disassemble the wheel and soak the rim by itself, then re-assemble. Sounds like a lot of work for an old steel wheelset, unless you really like it.

Finally, make sure the rims are still sound. Rust will consume the material and if it's deep those rims are probably shot.

cs1

If you're using crystals, what's the proper ratio of crystals to water?

PBR Streetgang

It works best (and maybe only) on chrome. It will turn steel that is not chromed black. Don't try it on aluminum. The ratio is trial and error, I've never really measured. It takes 12 or more hours to work, so be patient.