Rust Removal
 

Hi guys I'm cleaning up my bike and could use some help removing the rust. I'm using vinegar for the unpainted and smaller parts which works great but the parts start rusting again almost immediately after I wash them off. What are some things I can do to prevent this?

Also, I'm trying to get some rust off of the forks. I am hesitant to sand the area for fear of removing the grooves. Is the vinegar approach safe for the paint? Other suggestions?

Thanks

Once you remove the rust with acid (vinegar) you have to rinse thoroughly, dry and protect the bare metal with wax or an oil film. (at least until you're ready to touch up with paint). I also do a rinse with baking soda & water to neutralize any remaining acid, but I don't know if it's necessary if rinsed well enough.

As for the fork (singular, the same as the one you eat with), vinegar won't etch out the metal enough to affect the texture. The so-called groves are actually emboss marks from the serrations in the QR, and even if sanded smooth (would take a while), would be pressed back in by the skewer, assuming you're using the same one.

Instead of just removing rust and leaving vulnerable bare metal behind you can use a "rust converter" to change the rust to a so-called conversion coating which is tenacious, resists further rusting and which holds paint well.

Great suggestions! Looking forward to the result