Mercedes Cleandown
08-07-12, 01:10 PM
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Mercedes Cleandown
I picked up this Mercedes Commuter bike a while ago but I'm having trouble trying to restore the frame.I've tried using WD-40 and steelwool but I'm not getting a good finish.Anybody got a tip for me ?
08-07-12, 04:01 PM
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For the record, that's not chrome, that's most likely a ball burnished aluminum surface.
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08-07-12, 07:09 PM
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Automotive rubbing compound may work if the frame is steel. If it's aluminum, it could be salt oxidation from winter riding.
08-08-12, 04:07 AM
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Thanks for the replies folks.I'm not really sure what the frame is made of,but the bike ain't exactly light.I get the impression the it's a steel frame with an aluminium finish.
Edit:After a bit of googling I found out that it is indeed a steel frame.
Edit:After a bit of googling I found out that it is indeed a steel frame.
08-08-12, 04:17 AM
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With those welds? No way. Take a magnet to it, if it's aluminum, the magnet won't attract.
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08-08-12, 05:26 AM
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That is an aluminum bike frame. After some quick googling, I found this:
https://velospace.org/node/40787
Even states that the frame is aluminum.
https://velospace.org/node/40787
Even states that the frame is aluminum.
08-08-12, 05:46 AM
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That is an aluminum bike frame. After some quick googling, I found this:
https://velospace.org/node/40787
Even states that the frame is aluminum.
https://velospace.org/node/40787
Even states that the frame is aluminum.
08-08-12, 08:20 AM
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I saw that when I was doing a search bobotech but I found another site saying it was steel.It's the same bike but with a battery pack. https://buy.localpeople.vivastreet.co...isted/50412990
The only way to know for sure is to try the magnet test. Try it and come back.
08-08-12, 11:06 AM
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08-10-12, 03:45 AM
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Tried turtle wax.Took a bit of the roughness off but still leaves dark spots from the oxidation.I'm running out of ideas here 
08-10-12, 07:51 AM
#12
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The aluminum oxide on the surface protects the metal underneath, unlike rust on steel which will just corrode forever until there is nothing left.
If you sand off the Al oxide, a new layer will just form very soon after unless you are obsessive about keeping it waxed/protected, you never ride the thing, or you paint it.
If you sand off the Al oxide, a new layer will just form very soon after unless you are obsessive about keeping it waxed/protected, you never ride the thing, or you paint it.
08-10-12, 08:28 AM
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I use this polish for my aluminum horse stirrups. Works great.
https://www.mothers.com/02_products/05100-05101.html
https://www.mothers.com/02_products/05100-05101.html
08-11-12, 02:10 PM
#14
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Yes, do not use abrasive materials on that frame. Mother's and Blue Magic uses an ammonia-based chemical polish. Much safer for thin tubing.
08-11-12, 04:06 PM
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That's cheap aluminum tubing, and likely not butted. As such, I wouldn't call it thin.
I think the brush-finished tubing may have been lightly anodized. When Anodizing succombs to corrosion, it is very spotty, and the undelying surface somewhat pitted. There is no convenient way to clean this up. It would have to be sanded down to a smooth clean surface, then perhaps coated with clear coat or paint. I'm not sure that bike is worth much effort unless there is sentimental value or pride-in-effort involved.
I think the brush-finished tubing may have been lightly anodized. When Anodizing succombs to corrosion, it is very spotty, and the undelying surface somewhat pitted. There is no convenient way to clean this up. It would have to be sanded down to a smooth clean surface, then perhaps coated with clear coat or paint. I'm not sure that bike is worth much effort unless there is sentimental value or pride-in-effort involved.
