Just picked up a 90's steel bike. It's in great shape minus a little bit of rust that exist in small spots. Mainly, where there's a chip in the paint and on the lugs, where the paint looks like a "spider crack".

https://www.flickr.com/photos/77499840@N05/7103859079/

How would you do to get the rust off? Brillo-pad and wd-40, some type of soak, etc?

Cool fork! I use vinegar to tackle any rust problems I run into. For frames, this entails wrapping vinegar soaked paper towels around the troubled areas and wrapping them in plastic wrap. Other prefer a bath in wood bleach which you might consider considering you already have it down to a bare frame.

Thanks, it's from a '93 Bridgestone Mb-1. Do you use regular white vinegar? Also, does vinegar hurt the paint or leave a residue?

WHat a tease!! I agree sexxy fork. I would not worry too much about that rust. I would use either on old bottle brush or some steelwool on the headtub but once you use a bit of grease and install the HS cups that is a non issue. On the tube a tiny touch of steelwool and some white model pain.

I don't get too worried about rust and scratches since I seldom ride in the rain and it is pretty dry in my flat. I believe unless an object is subjected to constant wet and dry cycles (like a car frame or muffler) rust actually works like protective coating. Look at huge steel electric towers and railroad bridges. They only paint highway bridges to make us feel safe.

Yep regular vinegar. Doesn't hurt the paint and no residue.