Getting rid of rust Part 1 - components

OK so I've taken a shine (LOL) to this bike again..........

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=146592&hilit=bridgestone


As you can see plenty of rust on derrys/spokes etc but everything actually does work. What's the easiest way to remove such rust or otherwise refurbish the items, barring putting replacement parts on?

:?:

Unfortunately I don't think you'll ever get rid of some of that rust completely, some of it's not just surface rust but has actually penetrated into the metal.
A wire brush (or one on a drill) will clean a lot of it up, followed by Autosol and a big dose of elbow grease, you may be able to remove the brown rust colour but will probably be left with grey pitting (which actually doesn't look as bad as it sounds.
The problem is that in trying to remove the rust you'll probably remove whatever protective coating the steel underneath has left, leaving it more open to rust in the future.

You could try testing a small piece in some of the rust converter stuff that folk use on their classic cars, it's supposed to neutralise the rust, then you can just snad it off or paint over it.
I've heard other cures for surface rust, like leaving parts in a glass of coca-cola overnight...

I'm sure there's plenty of other rust remedies out there, but if it were me I'd try a brush and metal polish first, to see how far that would go.

Try folding aluminium foil so the dull side is on the outside, then dip into a glass of real Coca Cola not diet must be the original coke. Then rub onto rust patches if I can find a link I'll post it.

Don't know if link will work....

http://www.radbmx.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=52096.0

Kona lover":151lxr2u said:

Don't know if link will work....

http://www.radbmx.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=52096.0

Click to expand...

That looks very impressive! I'd heard about using tin foil on ally frames, no reason why it wouldn't work on chrome or steel I guess, and Coca-Cola has many uses

I've bookmarked that link, thanks!

No worries, used the method on a 1978 Motomag - worked well.

Been a while though so thought I'd put the link up just to make sure.

I must say I was skeptical about the tinfoil thing until I tried it,it really works

So does this work only on chrome or on bare metal too? I have a painted frame with plenty of paint damage and hence surface rust on the top- and downtube. Not in the mood for a full strip, paint and decal job, so I was thinking about touching it up for now.

Use Bilt Hambers Deox gel to 'melt' rust away without harming paint.

These Guys do some fantastic rust remover and much more thats great for bike restoration http://www.frost.co.uk/ I have used quite a bit of there products on cars and Motor bikes in the past, yes a bit pricey but good stuff.