Pickle bath for old wheels?
 

I have a vintage bike with really bad rims. Rust, dirt etc.

I was wonder the following

1) How do i determine the metal(s) that these are made off?
2) Can i soak these in an oxalic acid bath?
3) Does the product Metal Rescue work? Might want to try this but at $25 a gallon this seems too costly?
4) Are there any other product(s) that will work for this?
5) How close to new looking can i get these just with good old rubbing compound and steel wool?

Any help would be appreciated.

1.. Got a Magnet? only iron~steel will rust.

1) Apparently it's impossible to tell steel from aluminum, even with rust.
2,3,4) Here are a few threads addressing your questions:
http://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-me...-restored.html
http://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-me...scue-work.html
http://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-me...scue-work.html
http://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-me...t-pitting.html
http://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-me...acid-bath.html
http://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-me...ms-spokes.html

BTW, didn't you report here that Metal Rescue did not work, two years ago?

There are a lot of rims available that might match the look of the old ones. Unless your vintage bike is a good example of a rare or collectible one, you probably be happier replacing the old ones.

Uh... really? You know that steel is magnetic right? Literally hold a magnet to it. Alternatively, weigh it/pick it up. If it's heavy, it's steel, if it's light, it's aluminum. It's not hard at all to tell the difference between steel and aluminum.

Not hard for most people.

Gotcha, I missed the sarcasm. :)

No sarcasm intended. The OP has had that question answered before. I attempted to speak directly to the OP and suggest that he give up on the issue, but my gentleness obscured the meaning [fail].

Every steel rim I have seen is chrome plated, so if you are seeing rust, it has probably bubbled through the chrome. Depending on how bad they are, you will never get them close to where they were when new.

Also, since you don't know the difference between steel and aluminum, just to make sure... When you say rim, what do you mean? I only ask because some people refer to the whole wheel as a rim.

But the bottom line is: Unless the wheels have historic value, I would suggest replacing them... You will be much happier with the lower weight, and braking capabilities (assuming rim brakes).

If you are hesitant to buy new wheels, I can understand that. Could you post some good pictures of the rusted area(s) as it could provide a better point of reference.

Also, if the rust is... well... rust colored (red) it's steel. Aluminum "rust" isn't red.

And if your rims are steel, consider changing to aluminum rims, if only for the vastly improved wet weather braking performance.

Removing rust does absolutely nothing to restore the surface, and even things such as Metal Rescue only convert the rust and sometimes leave a protective surface. They do not restore the surface - particularly the chrome. You will still have a poor looking rim, just not rust colored.

Absolutely!

For chromed steel rims, Peugeot (and possibly others) even tried textured rims back in the 70's, which didn't do anything to help braking in wet conditions... In fact, as I recall, my friend's bike that had them had even more trouble stopping in the rain than did bikes with smooth rims. But, they tried. :)