Nickel plated Orange P7 - 1996 model

[Trademark]

I've seen a few posts on here over the years about re-chroming & re-nick-plating Orange P7's from the 95-96-97 era, but has anyone successfully seen one of these projects through & ended up having the nickel plating re-applied?
I have a couple of old retro restoration project on the go - both with 95-96 Orange P7's. I have rubbed one down completely back to the chrome plating using wire-wool & my plan for the second, which currently remains with 80% of the nickel plating still on & 70% of the lacquer, is to leave it mainly as it is for now. I do however have quite a but of pitting & surface rust which I need to remove. I understand that there are easily obtainable products around which can remove rust better than others, i.e. vinegar, caustic soda, lemons etc..., although I do not know how I can soak the frame in vinegar so that the whole thing is submerged?!

Are there any methods which are slightly easier to remove deeper rust around areas such as the BB casing, head tube & welds on the frame?

Thanks in anticipation of help

TM

 

[Trademark]

Re:

If anyone has gone to the depths of having nickel plating applied to a frame, I would obviously like to know companies that do this, + the realistic cost involved?
Thx

 

[tIB]

Elbow grease- keep rubbing!

I used a combination of wire wool, metal scourers, heat gun and in really tight areas a dremel (very lightly/carefully!). Good luck!

 

[Trademark]

Thanks tIB - I've done s few of these projects by stripping the frames right back down to the chrome - most have been successful although the current project I have is in the best condition in most areas, however there are certain sections that have some larger & deeper rust spots - these look tough to remove, if indeed I can?! Is the vinegar my best option, armed with several gallons of the stuff?

 

[tIB]

Has it rusted through the nickel plate?

 

[Trademark]

Re:

In parts, yes. The main areas are around the welds - back of the seatpost clamp - BB & head tube. There are small bits of pitting all over this particular project, similar to others I have done, however these will go easily & the overall condition is very good - the best condition frame from this era I've seen. The larger deeper spots though are unfortunate & look tough to remove!

 

[tIB]

If it's gone through then you won't remove them as such- my solution on an older frame was to clean (ie remove rust) and touch up: I used a metallic silver model paint to match colour as best I could, applied with a tooth pick!

 

[Trademark]

Nice trick - thanks for your help tIB - I really appreciate it!

 

[tIB]

No probs, I look forward to seeing pics!