[jonapplegate]

Hello all. I know all of you keep your bikes in pristine condition at all times and never have dealt with this problem but maybe you know "someone else" who has. How do you go about fixing up minor surface rust? Whats the best way? Mostly chrome that needs a good going over and then getting sealed up good. Thanks for your replies.

[Ice]

 DuPont #7 chrome polish. In worse cases, four-ought (0000) steel wool. Works for me on plated bits. Followed by the clear coat of your choice.  I hear many good things about  a POR-15 clear coat but have not yet tried it.

[Geirskogul]

Wool, then chrome polish (7 or 9), then mother's mag and aluminum polish (works wonders), then finer chrome polish if desired.

[jonapplegate]

Dumb question maybe but where do I find that fine of steel wool? I haven't needed any in many, many years and haven't seen it around.

[Ice]

My local TruValue Hardware store has it in stock.
 If you have trouble finding it, shoot me a PM

[Cabo Cruz]

Br. Apple, you have received excellent input from our other brothers.  I'll simply add that you might wish to frequently soak the steel wool in oil (30W, say) as you rub off the rust.

[UncleErnie]

I've always heard one should use a brass or aluminium wool, as steel wool leaves bits behind that rust, also.
For bad rust, I use sandpaper of varying coarsness, and/or the various creams with terrycloth.  Buffing wheels are good, but hard to get in tight places.

[1Blackwolf1]

  Above all DO NOT use any thing that contains soap such as an SOS pad it will scratch the surface of what you are trying to de-rust/corrode, also don't use Naval Jelly, it's acid base will remove chrome.  Flitz also makes an excellent rust reomver polish.  Will.

[c1skout]

Nev-R-Dull applied vigorously will take off small bits of rust.

[geoffbaker]

Dumb question maybe but where do I find that fine of steel wool? I haven't needed any in many, many years and haven't seen it around.

If you go to any woodworker's tool store they should have it in grades up to ultra fine #000...

[redcat]

You might try Bronze wool as the steel wool can leave tiny particles that can oxidize and stain with only a slight bit of moisture if you don't get them all off. It also comes in fine,med.and course.

[plane95302]

I 2nd the Flitz suggestion. It's what I use to clean SS dive knives.

[stevel]

I used silver foil and coca-cola on my rear chrome guard, which had a lot of surface rust. Scunch up the foil into a ball, dip it in the coca-cola and away you go. The theory is that the foil is very soft & will not scratch, and who knows what's in the cc but there is come effective ingredient.
I got the tip off the internet, and yes - it works. I think I reverted to steel wool at one stage (still using the coca cola) and that was just as effective.

Steve

[SRL790]

I've had good results with a plain old Brillo Pad.  Buddy of mine says make sure its a Brillo (not SOS or store brand).

[Ice]

I used silver foil and coca-cola on my rear chrome guard, which had a lot of surface rust. Scunch up the foil into a ball, dip it in the coca-cola and away you go. The theory is that the foil is very soft & will not scratch, and who knows what's in the cc but there is come effective ingredient.
I got the tip off the internet, and yes - it works. I think I reverted to steel wool at one stage (still using the coca cola) and that was just as effective.

Steve

Ascorbic acid is the rust eater in Coca-Cola.
 I have seen it used to free frozen 289 Ford pistons. Removed all of the aluminum oxide and rust.

[otteryboy]

For chrome or alloy I use autosol solvol. Sometimes combined with steel wool.

For all hidden parts a miracle indrediant called waxoyl.It will stop/prevent rust in all your hidden crevices.

 

[1Blackwolf1]

  And goes good with Jameson!