I just picked up a 1958 Olmo track frame. A little info on the frame. It is a chrome frame with amazing lugs that is painted black on top of the chrome with the exception of the lugs. The paint is terrible, chipped down to the chrome all over the place. Well everywhere except where the chrome is chipped down to the steel and it looks like it is starting to rust. I don't want to repaint this frame, but I want to stop the rust. Any ideas on what I can do to stop the rust from advancing while keeping the original paint and beat up look? The thing has too much character for a paint job.
Thanks!

How about some bead blasting to remove the rust and bad paint than a layer or two of clear-coat. There are paints designed to convert rust to an inert coating but they might make the frame look like a bondo'd car. An auto-body shop might not take the job but I'll bet the workers in back would have some good ideas.

The choice acids of this forum (Oxalic & Phosphoric) would definitely remove the rust, but you might get left with lots of pitting depending on how bad the rust is. I haven't used phosphoric acid, but I know it leaves a coating behind that actually prevents rust. I think it is the kinder/gentler of the two.

Bead blasting will destroy what you want to accomplish;

go with one of the acid washes.


Regards,
J T

You could just dose it with WD 40, and reapply every few weeks or so. It would slow down the rust anyway. jim

Actually phosphoric acid leaves behind a primer-type surface that needs to be painted otherwise it WILL rust.

I vote for Oxalic Acid since it won't harm the paint or most decals. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly, wax the outside, and use a framesaver product to coat the inside of the frame afterwords. I also soak my parts in a baking soda bath after the OA bath to ensure all acid is neutralized. Do a forum search for Oxalic Acid for more info.

Good to know McDave, I've been using oxalic myself.