We found an old steel frame out in the wild in some bushes that has been laying there for what looks like years. The plan is to clean it completely and replace everything with new components, because my girlfriend really likes the frame and the idea of repurposing something that would otherwise go to waste. The only thing that worries me is this rusted crack on the bottom. So before we put any work into cleaning the frame or, God forbid, start spending some money, I wanted to ask the more experienced people here if this is a big problem. Thanks!
by frrks
3 Comments
Steel frames are very repairable. It doesn’t look like it’s corroded very much, but you’ll have to strip the paint and this bit of rust to the bare metal to make sure. A good welder should be able to make it good as new.
You’re asking about that crack in the driveside chainstay? Yeah, it doesn’t look great. Sand the paint off and see what it looks like.
Hard to say if that’s a crack in the metal or just flaky paint and some rust? Steel brush or sandpaper to get the flakes off so you’ll know.
I wouldn’t be afraid of rust on a old steel frame before its so bad that there’s actual holes.