Yay or nay. Rust on bottom bracket lug?
 

Hey fellow vantage rust experts. I've found Italian build semi vintage bike that must have been welded on Friday. Whole frame is mint Columbus brazed, except some funny business with bottom bracket. I guess they didn't fill the lugs properly and water been pooling up in the little crevice there and managed to sip through the cracks.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/16A2...p=docslist_api

I wouldn't worry about it as long as the metal is solid. The cable shows the bike has spent time outdoors.

I would treat it with rust removal and then, for low maintenance, coat with wax or WD-40. You really don't want the rust to continue to propagate.

After 40k miles and 20 years, my Nishiki Competition frame failed when the seat tube lug broke away from the rest of the bottom bracket. Since similar frame failures are not dangerous, go ahead and ride it if or until the BB shell cracks. I like the other suggestions about slowing rust propagation.

I haven't bought the bike yet, but it been on CL for several month already in somewhat overpriced local market. The rest of the stuff is so sweet though, 8 speed tricolore sti, campy mexico rims, gatorskins and columbust brain to boot although somewhat hefty. Not a scratch or ding on the frame, aside from that rusty bracket. Looks like rain/winter driving might have caused it.... damn. Would it make sense to clean it up and paint it with some sort of matching auto touch up paint to fix it for good?

I think it looks like I can see daylight at the top of the front side of the seat tube lug.

Something just seems a bit odd about the frame.

I use a small diameter dental tool to scrape away exposed superficial rust. It works well in getting down to the bare metal. Left alone the rust will continue to spread under the paint. After cleaning you can use some Testors or automotive touch up paint to cover the small unpainted areas. It doesn't have to be perfect. The touch up can last for years...

verktyg :50:

Chas.

The lugs are somewhat oddly filled tbh, but this is just reflection. The tips of the lug are sticking out a bit though, but the rest of the frame is fillet braised rather nicely.

Go for it!

Offer 1/2 the asking price and see what happens.

+1 I see it too. Rust at joints rubs me the wrong way. No likey.

I don't think there's a lug issue. Just an odd reflection.

Pic didn't work :(