Shifters and deraileur still work and it‘s even got a specialized bottle cage on it. What to do about the rust though? I dont want do do a full restorstion but i wanna keep it from getting worse. First project like this so any tips appreciated
by joesbreakfast
5 Comments
Frame Saver on the inside solves a lot of rust issues.
THUMBIES! Keep it as close to stock as you can. It’s a time machine with the matching bottle cage.
Naval jelly for the rust
On the rust, rub a wadded up piece of aluminum foil on it. That should remove a lot of the surface rust. You can also dip the foil in white vinegar before you rub but that may not be necessary. Once the rust is removed you need to coat the exposed metal. There are different things you can do. You can use a rust converter that convert any remaining rust to a hard black coating that stops it from continuing,.or after removing the rust you can primer the spots and if you want then touch them up with paint. Some people will use nail polish to touch up, or Testors model paint. If you want it left bare for a more patina look, some people will spray a clear coat over the spots or the whole frame. There is also a bare metal spray you can buy at the hardware store that protects raw steal on tools like shovels and picks, etc. that helps prevent rust. Some people use linseed oil on bare steal to help prevent rust. In the least, you can put a coat of car wax on it to at least provide some protection. Once done, if you can store it inside a shed or garage or anywhere not exposed to the elements, that is most important.
Looks like that one might be a Tange Prestige model. Good find.
Vinegar works great to clear off surface rust, and it’s safe.
For paint, you can do what you like – try to match color or have fun and hit it with some contrast!
The seatpost clamp is the only thing that was meh on that model/year IMO.