Aluminium - restoration - what would you do with this?

[FINNEY1973]

Afternoon all.

I completed a permanent trade last week, the Raleigh Record Sprint has started a new life up north, and in return i've taken possession of a Ribble 7005 Alu framed bike. It's equipped with full 9-speed Mirage groupset, Time forks, ITM bars so all in all a fair trade. The Ribble has been sat in a garage for a good few years and as it stands is a non runner. Needs a complete strip down, service and new consumables. Shouldn't be too much of a problem, though the ergo's may have seen their last shift.

However, the biggest task is the frame - it's in a very poor state. It's covered in scratches and has small specks all over it. I'm at a loss as to the best way to treat the frame? Anybody got any experience of this and what's the best solution?

Bike will be next winters main bike (tired of spoiling my nicer bikes)

Any input appreciated.

 

[benjy]

re polish an re coat

 

[FINNEY1973]

Polish won't remove the scratches, they're too deep in places & re-coat with??

 

[Midlife]

How about self etching primer /filler and painting it?

Shaun

 

[FINNEY1973]

How about self etching primer /filler and painting it?

Shaun

Certainly an option, but I wondered if there was an option to avoid going to those lengths, i.e. a more manual method. Would various grades of papers & wools get the job done? and if so, what do you protect the frame with afterwards for weather protection?

Just undone the seat collar and seen the metal as it should be - super shiny and rather nice - it's going to take some effort to get the rest looking the same :facepalm:

 

[glpinxit]

Steel wool isn't a good idea on aluminium as any specs that stick in the ally will cause the aluminium to corrode in preference. So you'll have to use non ferrous scourers. (All to do with electrochemistry, istr.)

 

[Midlife]

Silicon-Carbide would do (wet and dry) plus polishing compounds, but I'd think about getting it polished professionally, shouldn't cost a lot. there will still be pitting and deeper scratches but at least it will be shiny.

Not a lot will stick to shiny aluminium (hence the self etching paints needed) so a wipe over with WD40 at intervals should help.

Shaun

 

[bugloss]

Get it anodised a splendid colour.

 

[FINNEY1973]

Point noted on the steel wool - makes obvious sense when pointed out!

The wet & dry through various grades seems to be the way to go, there's many a thread on RB that stem from the MTB guys who have been asking this very question and in most cases prevailed with super shiny frames!

Going to get the necessary products and have a go at getting this back to a decent standard, alas the deeper scratches look permanent but I can live with that.

First job is to get the calipers out of the frame, the heads are done for and the allen key just spins. The BB cups are also proving difficult to budge, but it has been sat for years so it had to be expected.

 

[lewisfoto]

Steel wool isn't a good idea on aluminium as any specs that stick in the ally will cause the aluminium to corrode in preference. So you'll have to use non ferrous scourers. (All to do with electrochemistry, istr.)

I did not realize that this was a problem, been using triple x steel wool on aluminum for years. Although it sounds like you are well informed.

I would imagine that one could use the same technique on a frame that you do on a post with zigzagging, start with a rough sand paper to remove the damage and then eventually work your way up to 2000 grit. Last step would be a fine polish and then clean the residue, sticker and clear coat!


Ton of work, maybe Shaun's idea is the best


Steven