Surface rust bubbles on Trek

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08-19-10 | 12:10 PM

KB12

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Joined: Aug 2008

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Surface rust bubbles on Trek

Hello all,

I just got a really good deal on an 86 Trek 400 Elance. Its in really good shape but when I got it home I noticed there were a couple bubbling spots. Only 2-3, nothing too major. I just wanted to know what some of you thought about these and if I should worry about it or do anything about it. I peeked in the frame through the seat tube and it looks good in there. Here are some pics.

https://i903.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4283.jpg
https://i903.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4280.jpg
https://i903.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4281.jpg
https://i903.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/IMG_4282.jpg

Thanks!
Kevin

08-19-10 | 12:59 PM

Chris_in_Miami

missing in action

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It doesn't look significant at all, but it will continue to grow if you don't treat it.

08-19-10 | 01:58 PM

Chombi

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Bikes: 1986 Alan Record Carbonio, 1985 Vitus Plus Carbone 7, 1984 Peugeot PSV, 1972 Line Seeker, 1986(est.) Medici Aerodynamic (Project), 1985(est.) Peugeot PY10FC

Clean off the rust under those paint bubbles asap and do paint touch ups. Those could only grow to a bigger problem if you do not attend to them right away while they are still not that bad.

Chombi

08-19-10 | 02:00 PM

beech333

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Joined: Mar 2009

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From: Central IL

Bikes: Was Fuji and got my grails (Pro, Pro SR, Design Series, & Ti). Now I hunt 50's/60's road bikes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chombi

Clean off the rust under those paint bubbles asap and do paint touch ups. Those could only grow to a bigger problem if you do not attend to them right away while they are still not that bad.

Chombi

+1 This is what I had to do on one of mine. In the end, the touch-ups were no worse looking than the bubbling, so I am happy with it.

08-19-10 | 02:05 PM

jeremyb

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From: Sacramento CA

Bikes: Raleigh Grand Prix, Cervelo P3alu

oxalic bath time!

08-19-10 | 02:13 PM

wrk101

Thrifty Bill

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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

Careful use of a dremel tool to expose the rust, then either oxalic or a rust converter paint. Oxalic and other rust treatments will not work when the rust is under the paint.

08-19-10 | 02:19 PM

norskagent

car dodger

Joined: Aug 2005

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From: garner/raleigh nc

I'm getting my Mclean refinished due to bubbling under the top tube - it's not too bad but it is too widespread to remove paint & rust and touch up I think.

__________________
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08-19-10 | 02:22 PM

RobE30

Wherever I may roam....

Joined: Oct 2009

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From: Topton Pa

Bikes: A few bikes

My 86 Elance has the same rust, same spots. My plan is to strip the bubbled area back to shiny steel, treat w/ OA or similar, high build primer and metallic black paint (there is one big spot quarter sized) the others will be primed then touched up w/ touch up paint