Thrift Store Trek: Rusty
08-14-12, 09:28 AM
#1
Cyclist
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 639
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 39 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 16 Times
in
15 Posts
Thrift Store Trek: Rusty
I bought a Trek MTB at the thrift store for $45 not so long ago. It's a bit rusty, and I'd like to know what my options are for containing the rust, short of a professional repainting.
08-14-12, 11:25 AM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Berkeley, CA
Posts: 7,236
Bikes: '72 Cilo Pacer, '72 Gitane Gran Tourisme, '72 Peugeot PX10, '73 Speedwell Ti, '74 Peugeot UE-8, '75 Peugeot PR-10L, '80 Colnago Super, '85 De Rosa Pro, '86 Look Equipe 753, '86 Look KG86, '89 Parkpre Team, '90 Parkpre Team MTB, '90 Merlin
Mentioned: 87 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 830 Post(s)
Liked 2,110 Times
in
553 Posts
The best option would be to soak the frame in an oxalic acid bath. There are lots of threads on its use. Here's one: The Wonders of Oxalic Acid. That will remove the rust, but the exposed frame will rust again unless it's covered up (say, with black touch up paint, or clear nail polish, for example). Another option, if you do not want to strip & soak the frame, is some careful application of naval jelly in the rust spots. It can damage the paint, so you may try applying it with a brush just to the areas where the paint has been replaced by rust.
__________________
-Randy
'72 Cilo Pacer • '72 Peugeot PX10 • '73 Speedwell Ti • '74 Nishiki Competition • '74 Peugeot UE-8 • '86 Look Equipe 753 • '86 Look KG86 • '89 Parkpre Team Road • '90 Parkpre Team MTB • '90 Merlin Ti
Avatar photo courtesy of jeffveloart.com, contact: contact: jeffnil8 (at) gmail.com.
-Randy
'72 Cilo Pacer • '72 Peugeot PX10 • '73 Speedwell Ti • '74 Nishiki Competition • '74 Peugeot UE-8 • '86 Look Equipe 753 • '86 Look KG86 • '89 Parkpre Team Road • '90 Parkpre Team MTB • '90 Merlin Ti
Avatar photo courtesy of jeffveloart.com, contact: contact: jeffnil8 (at) gmail.com.
08-14-12, 12:06 PM
#3
Spin Forest! Spin!
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Arrid Zone-a
Posts: 5,956
Bikes: I used to have many. And I Will again.
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times
in
10 Posts
This is a nice score. An USA-made Trek 930 with lugs. The rust is surface only.
The choice of remedy depends on how much this bike is worth to you.
If you want to restore it then oxalic acid bath is the best results.
If you only want to arrest the rusting and ride the bike, a beater or commuter, then wire brush/naval jelly the rust spots till the rust is gone, and spot prime and paint the areas. Another option is to buy rust neutralizer at the auto parts store. Carefully brush it onto rust spots and it'll convert the rust to inert state, then paint over it.
A Trek 930 is a worthy frame to save. Tru-Temper Cr-Mb DB tubing throughout.
The choice of remedy depends on how much this bike is worth to you.
If you want to restore it then oxalic acid bath is the best results.
If you only want to arrest the rusting and ride the bike, a beater or commuter, then wire brush/naval jelly the rust spots till the rust is gone, and spot prime and paint the areas. Another option is to buy rust neutralizer at the auto parts store. Carefully brush it onto rust spots and it'll convert the rust to inert state, then paint over it.
A Trek 930 is a worthy frame to save. Tru-Temper Cr-Mb DB tubing throughout.
08-14-12, 01:53 PM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Metro Exurb
Posts: 424
Bikes: 1982 Torker BMX, 1990 Cannondale Black Lightning, 1996 Cannondale F400
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I prefer Citric Acid Powder for my rust removal projects. Much less toxic to handle / dispose. Does the same job.
