Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Bicycle Mechanics
Reload this Page >

Preventing rust from spreading on chrome

Search
Notices
Bicycle Mechanics Broken bottom bracket? Tacoed wheel? If you're having problems with your bicycle, or just need help fixing a flat, drop in here for the latest on bicycle mechanics & bicycle maintenance.

Preventing rust from spreading on chrome

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-20-15 | 05:57 PM
  #1  
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Santa Cruz Mountains, CA
Preventing rust from spreading on chrome

Hi folks,

I noticed a few spots were rust is starting to form on the chrome lugs and I was wondering if there was a way to treat it before it advances further. The pictures make it look worse than it is.

Thanks,
Mike
Attached Images
File Type: jpg
20150620_164510.jpg (86.2 KB, 29 views)
File Type: jpg
20150620_164536.jpg (78.9 KB, 30 views)
mgreen3691 is offline  
Reply
Old 06-20-15 | 07:39 PM
  #2  
sch
Senior Member
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4,054
Likes: 164
From: Mountain Brook. AL
Phosphoric acid will convert the rust to iron phosphate, a dark grey material which is a good base for paint, might help in the logo
but not for the lug. The rust has destroyed the chrome plating and there is not much you do about that. FWIW coca-cola, pepsi
and similar cola drinks are dilute phosphoric acid solutions and work well as rust convertors. You can look at it on youtube,
and the diluteness would be less likely to damage surrounding painted areas.
The problem is that the rust is occurring under the plating and absent plating removal you can just cosmetically treat it. Of course
mechanical removal also works but is detrimental to the paint and shiny chrome.
sch is offline  
Reply
Old 06-20-15 | 08:24 PM
  #3  
Member
 
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 36
Likes: 2
From: Eastern Iowa
You could crumple up some aluminum foil, get it a little wet with water, and gently scrub it off. Use lemon pledge or a car wax to help stop any further damage.
bnb69 is offline  
Reply
Old 06-22-15 | 11:48 AM
  #4  
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 590
Likes: 1
From: Beverly Hills, MI

Bikes: '72 Fuji Finest, '80 Austro-Daimler Inter 10, '06 Fuji Team Issue, '06 Salsa Las Cruces, Nashbar Frame single speed

I use a Brillo or SOS pad. Get it wet and it won't scratch the chrome, but will remove the rust.
dperreno is offline  
Reply
Old 06-22-15 | 12:26 PM
  #5  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,135
Likes: 108
From: Middle of the road, NJ
Originally Posted by sch
The problem is that the rust is occurring under the plating and absent plating removal you can just cosmetically treat it.
So no matter what you do, it will keep rusting under the chrome, which will keep flaking off.
leob1 is offline  
Reply
Old 06-22-15 | 12:54 PM
  #6  
JohnDThompson's Avatar
Old fart
Titanium Club Membership
20 Anniversary
Community Builder
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 26,347
Likes: 5,254
From: Appleton WI

Bikes: Several, mostly not name brands.

Originally Posted by leob1
So no matter what you do, it will keep rusting under the chrome, which will keep flaking off.
Yes, but if you put wax or light oil over it, you can slow the process.
JohnDThompson is offline  
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
nashvillebill
Classic & Vintage
9
04-05-17 07:50 AM
LouB
Classic & Vintage
13
08-22-16 06:01 PM
Flyboy718
Classic & Vintage
7
05-16-15 09:07 AM
M21
Classic & Vintage
5
08-04-12 08:49 PM
stephmccloud
Bicycle Mechanics
3
05-13-11 06:44 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.