Best Way to Remove Rust/Grime
03-02-10 | 01:32 PM
#1
Thread Starter
cherry vanilla rampage
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Lost Angeles
Bikes: Crosslake Aluminum Track
Best Way to Remove Rust/Grime
What is the best way to remove light rust/baked on grime from steel rims/spokes/hubs?
EDIT: Sorry mods. Move to maintenance forum, if you please.
EDIT: Sorry mods. Move to maintenance forum, if you please.
03-02-10 | 03:12 PM
#4
:)
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,391
Likes: 1
From: duluth
Bikes: '07 Pista, '09 Fantom Cross Uno, '8? Miyata, '67 Stingray, '0? Zoo mod trials, Tallbike, Chopper, '73 Schwinn Collegiate, '67 Triumph Chopper, '69 CB350, '58 BSA Spitfire, '73 CB450
Depends.
Personally, I won't use steel wool (finest grade) on chrome unless the part is ready to be tossed out. I prefer buffing/rubbing compound, which is a little more gentle on the finish.
Personally, I won't use steel wool (finest grade) on chrome unless the part is ready to be tossed out. I prefer buffing/rubbing compound, which is a little more gentle on the finish.
03-02-10 | 03:13 PM
#5
Moved per OP request to Mechanics from SS/FG.
03-02-10 | 03:16 PM
#7
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,033
Likes: 2
From: Belgium
The best way to remove rust and grime from steel rims is to buy new wheels with aluminum rims. Steel rims are really ****e for braking when they are wet. Your ability to stop when the rims are wet is significantly improved with aluminum.
03-02-10 | 08:03 PM
#8
Thrifty Bill
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,643
Likes: 1,107
From: Mans of NC & SW UT Desert
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
Do a search on rust, its been discussed hundreds of times. Lots of opinions and advice out there, I am in the oxalic acid camp.
+1 If you plan to ride the bike much, toss the steel rims and get a set of alloy ones.
+1 If you plan to ride the bike much, toss the steel rims and get a set of alloy ones.
Last edited by wrk101; 03-02-10 at 08:27 PM.
03-02-10 | 08:14 PM
#9
You gonna eat that?
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,917
Likes: 543
From: Fort Worth, Texas Church of Hopeful Uncertainty
Bikes: 1966 Raleigh DL-1 Tourist, 1973 Schwinn Varsity, 1983 Raleigh Marathon, 1994 Nishiki Sport XRS
Meh. Forget the haters. Keep the steel. I use lemon juice an aluminum foil (which is easier on chrome than steel wool). I've gotten excellent results.
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I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
03-02-10 | 08:37 PM
#10
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,775
Likes: 9
From: Los Altos, CA
Hard to believe that after 9 posts, the BEST way to remove rust has not been mentioned ... Oxalic Acid 
If you research the best techniques for removing rust from chrome, you'll find up to nine different techniques people swear by to clean up their bike frames, chrome wheels, chrome furniture and more. See Before and After results on rusted bicycle chrome using Ted Carl's 'Old School' Oxalic Acid soak (from VintageBMX.com's Forum) https://www.vintagebmx.com/community/...04702-450.html
03-02-10 | 09:21 PM
#11
rebmeM roineS
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,231
Likes: 366
From: Metro Indy, IN
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Perhaps he doesn't have rim brakes; this was moved from SS/FG.
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Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
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