Rusty Frames

[GoneGonzo]

I have a 10 speed racer that was mine as a kid and would like to make a single speed just for the bike trail. However, the frames rusted and pitted trhu the paint.

I can re-paint but how can I be sure it's still strong ?

I can weld gussets in the corners but I'm not sure how the frame was welded when new. It's mid 60's. Did they braze frames then ?

Thx GoneGonzo

 

[johnny nightwolf]

You can always sand down to bare metal so you've got a better idea what you're working with. You'll get a better finish on new paint that way, too.

 

[Anonymous]

Gone,I painted a 20" girls frame that was rustier than the Titanic with this...

http://www.krylon.com/products/make_it_ ... red_paints

It covered extreemly well with minimum sanding/scraping.It hides A LOT of surface blems.

 

[DogsBody]

You can always sand down to bare metal so you've got a better idea what you're working with. You'll get a better finish on new paint that way, too.

Yup.
The primary thing to check is if the metal is rusting through.
If it has then the frame needs more than paint...
If it's just surface rust then a good "scuff and buff" + paint will keep it alive for a good long time.

 

[Korporal]

Light surface rust is just that.

 

[mastershake916]

Light surface rust is just that.

Yep, if it's just the paint, don't worry about it, if it doesn't have a hole in it, you're fine.

 

[GoneGonzo]

I was just worried about strength. If it rusted enough to make the tubing thiner or not. I cant tell how bad it is by just looking. It might just be superficial.