+1 beautiful bike. I personally think it would be a mistake to paint over the chrome. Also, I think a painter has to etch the chrome to prepare the surface for paint, so the chrome would never be the same if you did strip the paint later.

Chrome bikes seem to be both rare and sought after, I think even a nice paint job takes away the stand out quality that a chrome bike possesses.

The good news is that the rust is very easy to treat, and I would recommend not using steel wool. Steel wool is abrasive and can leave tiny micro scratches in the chrome, I know this because I have done it.

In my opinion, oxalic acid is the hands down best treatment for your frame. I use it on my own bikes and have had great results. When you soak a frame in OA, it removes all of the surface rust and any rust that may have been inside the tubes. You basically just mix the concentrated OA with water, put your frame in to soak for half a day or so, wipe it with a soft sponge and then neutralize it with baking soda. It may sound involved, but it is the least labor intensive method I know of. Do a search on Oxalic acid to get the specifics, and make sure to wear gloves, glasses etc.

A simple method, get some turtle wax chrome polish and a hefty dose of elbow grease. The chrome will shine up to it's full potential, and it is non abrassive.

If you still want a painted bike, send me that one and I will send you one of my painted bikes

Oh yeah, this thread is a potential powder keg.... just remember, were all friends here....right?


Matt