It was a messy weekend for me and Mrs Robinson. After deciding to DIY nickle plate I went back to cleaning parts that will be plated to get them ultra clean. I purchased a different brand of rust remover and soaked parts followed by a quick dip in the ultrasonic tank until no clouds appeared coming off the surfaces. I still have a lot to do, it is a slow process. Prior to plating, the parts will be treated to reverse electrolysis in pure vinegar for about 30 seconds to remove any last impurities.
While that was going on, I decided to clean the frame, fork, and fender using electrolysis. The advantage to this method is it does not disturb the non-rusted metal at all and it also removes any rust inside the tubes that are open. In a large tub I made a water and sodium carbonate solution and hung a scrap steel anode in the solution, negative lead to the parts being cleaned. It is also a slow process. The fork is finished and in a light coat of primer, the frame is roughly 50% completed, the fender will be done last. I didn't take any photos because I didn't want to take any chances of messing up my fairly new phone.
