Container large enough to soak frame?
 

I'm looking for some kind of container large enough to submerge my entire frame. I've read about people using plastic kiddie pools, but no stores sell them this time of year (I've tried Target, Walmart, pool supply stores, Big Lots and Home Depot).

Any other ideas? What other industries use large cheap plastic bins that would hold an entire frame?

I'm need this to soak my frame in a bath of oxalic acid to remove rust. I know there are other ways of doing this, but I want to get the inside of the frame, and there is chrome on the bike that I don't want to damage with wire brushes and harsher chemicals.

Thanks!

that's a lot of chemicals that will potentially run into steams. have you considered an aerosol can of wd-40 with a grinder brush?

I think the grinder brush will damage the chrome finish, but that's a very good point about the amount of chemicals I'm about to produce. I know very little about chemicals, but can I neutralize that with some baking soda? That's what I've read you have to put on the frame after to neutralize what's left on the metal, so could I just add that to the bath? I'll have to think about that one a bit more. I don't really want to create my own, personal toxic waste hazard...

You do realize you can get kiddie pools online any time of the year, right?

Not the hard plastic ones. I called an online pool supply and they said they don't ship those. They only ship the inflatable ones. Would an inflatable be durable enough to stand up to the acid?

Oxalic acid removes rust stains, but not rust itself. I'm also curious how you would be planning on getting rid of the stuff after you're done doing it. Muriatic acid would burn the stuff off, but would probably harm the chrome. And any acid solution in a batch that big is gonna put off tons of harmful fumes that'll kill your respiratory tract. Hell, oxalic acid can destroy your kidneys if you don't play with it correctly. My suggestion would be to do some homework or just ride your bike. You sound like you're stepping into some territory that could **** you up or **** up the environment around you pretty easily.

You can make a paste of it and sort of brush it on. For inside the tubes, you can block off all holes and fill it.

jim

Good god man. Your making a mountain out of a mole hill. Is your rusty frame that important? How about just buying a new one?

I don't know about how well an inflatable would do, but here are some non-inflatable ones:

http://www.brandsonsale.com/other-kiddie-pools.html

It's an old frame I am trying to restore.

Yes, you are probably right - i'm making this too difficult. So how do I remove rust from a frame that has chrome without damaging the chrome? Oxalic acid seemed easy, but it's turning out to be a PITA.

Oxalic acid fumes are not a problem. Place the frame inside a couple of large garbage bags. Add your solution. Don't have to add 30 gallons, just a couple. seal the bags so it doesn't leak. Every day, flip the bags and frame over.

When you are done, take the frame out, wash very, very thoroughly with water to remove the acid. You'll need to treat any bare steel immediately to prevent rusting.

Simply leave the bags open and allow the solution to evaporate. Then throw the bags away.

Try searching for removing rust on motorcycle gas tanks. I've seen tanks filled with flake/scale that have come out amazing with just powdered citric acid that you can get at a whole foods co-op mixed up with a bit of water.

Found a vid. of using it on car parts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckdMdiJlV7c

Is it chrome plated? If it gets scratched you can most likely just repolish it. If it is an old frame you probably need to restore the chrome's luster anyhow.

Get some plywood and scrap 2x4s and build a shape that conforms somewhat to your frame.
Get a waterproof tarp and press it in to the shape
Fill enough to submerge the frame.

Or, maybe just pay a paint shop? If you can get a frame powdercoated for $100, you can probably get this done for a lot cheaper.

Have you thought about electrolysis?

I'm not an expert, but I would be careful not to remove the chrome as well as the rust.

You are correct, I missed the part about chrome.

just use ur bath tub... its big enough to fit a frame.

Use a tub at a cheap motel.
Then you won't have to clean it afterwards.

make sure to leave a dead body in there (or at least a zombified blow-up doll), to complete the scene.

Thanks everyone for the ideas!

Citric Acid - I like this idea. Probably a good solution to the toxic issue.

Trash bag idea - This could work and I like it, but I want to be able to check the progress and scrub a bit of the rust off with a soft brush as I go. I'd have to redo the bags each time. Viable option though.

2x4 and plywood idea - I like this too. I have most of this on hand so it would be easy. I think I may go this direction.

Motel bathtub idea - best idea of all. They actually use oxalic acid to remove rust from toilets, sinks and bathtubs in very old bathrooms and kitchens. I tried to convince my wife to let me use ours (we rent an apartment) but it didn't fly. Go figure.

Are you people serious? A motel bathroom? The hell is wrong with you people? Yes, of course, why deal with the clean-up of your little project when you can just stick somebody else with the responsibility?

The tough part about internet boards like this is you can't hear the people laughing as they write/read this stuff. So if you don't get the joke, sometimes you're not sure when to laugh.

I think the motel bathroom and dead body part was a joke. You should have laughed at that part.

Don't feel bad - I've missed a few good ones too. There will be more and you'll get it next time...

Sweet!

Even easier and cheaper is get a bike box from the LBS if you don't have one around. Tape up the top and with a utility knife cut open one side to form your own bike shape tub. Just line it with a waterproof tarp/bag and fill with water.