What can be done with my chrome fork that developed rust?
03-15-21, 09:34 AM
#1
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What can be done with my chrome fork that developed rust?
Not sure what to do about this situation. I rode this bike as my commuter for years and the salt took its toll. Can someone fix this? The fork is actually pretty unique on this Guerciotti track bike. The fork is more rounded than any fork I have seen and also quite straight with very little rack, so replacement would be wildly hard to find. Not to mention it is a 60cm, so large. Thanks for any help.
03-15-21, 09:37 AM
#2
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You could try evaporust gel. I've had good luck with it. Also try aluminum foil dipped in salt water:
Slippery Rock Gazette | Restoring Chrome? How to Remove Rust from Chrome Using Aluminum Foil.
Slippery Rock Gazette | Restoring Chrome? How to Remove Rust from Chrome Using Aluminum Foil.
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03-15-21, 09:47 AM
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First I would try spit and finger nail, second would be foil and water, next for me would chemical navel jelly or similar type.
Can we see the whole bike? That's the size I wish my track frame was.
Can we see the whole bike? That's the size I wish my track frame was.
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03-15-21, 10:34 AM
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OP,
There is no chrome left underneath the rust so any of the above would work....My concern would be to get the rust out of the inside of the fork, maybe an evapor-rust bath would be better in this case. You might also want to consider some preventive maintenance on the entire frame. There is corrosion going on in the internals so it's best to keep it at bay.
Note in the future clean the salt of the bike every so often, I know there isn't Ziebart for bikes, but frame saver or a similar product might keep it on the road a bit longer....
Good Luck, Ben
There is no chrome left underneath the rust so any of the above would work....My concern would be to get the rust out of the inside of the fork, maybe an evapor-rust bath would be better in this case. You might also want to consider some preventive maintenance on the entire frame. There is corrosion going on in the internals so it's best to keep it at bay.
Note in the future clean the salt of the bike every so often, I know there isn't Ziebart for bikes, but frame saver or a similar product might keep it on the road a bit longer....
Good Luck, Ben
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03-15-21, 10:43 AM
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The fork on my Ciocc looked like this when I got it. Cleaned up OK in an Oxalic Acid bath. As xiaoman1 mentioned, the chrome was gone, but it removed the rust, and allowed me to maintain things.
03-15-21, 10:48 AM
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Remove the rust. Pick whatever method floats your boat. Simple car wax will protect any bare metal from further rust. Needs to be reapplied on occasion. Clear coat will work too, but I prefer not to be so evasive.
If your concern is cosmetic, the most expensive option is to rechrome. A cheaper option option is to polish the bare metal, it will be pretty close to looking like the remaining chrome. Buy yourself some 220, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1500 and 2000 grit sandpaper. Spend the next available 4 hours or so sanding/polishing and Bob's yer uncle.
If your concern is cosmetic, the most expensive option is to rechrome. A cheaper option option is to polish the bare metal, it will be pretty close to looking like the remaining chrome. Buy yourself some 220, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1500 and 2000 grit sandpaper. Spend the next available 4 hours or so sanding/polishing and Bob's yer uncle.
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03-15-21, 10:53 AM
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Not sure what to do about this situation. I rode this bike as my commuter for years and the salt took its toll. Can someone fix this? The fork is actually pretty unique on this Guerciotti track bike. The fork is more rounded than any fork I have seen and also quite straight with very little rack, so replacement would be wildly hard to find. Not to mention it is a 60cm, so large. Thanks for any help.
03-15-21, 11:01 AM
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The fork on my Ciocc looked like this when I got it. Cleaned up OK in an Oxalic Acid bath. As xiaoman1 mentioned, the chrome was gone, but it removed the rust, and allowed me to maintain things.
I guess you could also use a metal foil tope that AC contractors use if careful with the application. I have used it as a chain protector on the rear stay of a few of my bikes and it looks like chrome if applied
The surface will need to be sanded completely smooth in order to have a maximum positive effect...it also wrinkles quite easily.
It does wrinkle if one is not careful.
Best, Ben
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03-15-21, 11:01 AM
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Franklin Frame re-chromed my Colnago fork for $120. Only the crown needed to be presentable, so a whole fork may be more - esp one with pitting. Worth asking though.
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03-15-21, 04:09 PM
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03-15-21, 04:10 PM
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03-15-21, 05:14 PM
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In this case, with the fork being so difficult to replace, and the bike being worthy, I’d go for the rechrome if it were mine.
03-15-21, 06:38 PM
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h_curtis,
I currently have a Masi fork out for re-chroming in a shop about 60 miles from me. When it come back I can post pics of the finished product and I am going to put them in the powder coaters you like thread. Smiles, MH
I currently have a Masi fork out for re-chroming in a shop about 60 miles from me. When it come back I can post pics of the finished product and I am going to put them in the powder coaters you like thread. Smiles, MH
03-15-21, 07:48 PM
#14
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Yeah, I am thinking that as well thanks to all the replies here. My bike is used and has some little dings and scratches, but I ride all my bikes. Still it is one heck of a great fixed track bike that is nice and tall for me. One of my favorite bikes to ride for sure.
03-15-21, 07:49 PM
#15
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That would be great. What kind of turnaround time if you send it out to them? I hate to be without my fixed in the summer months.
03-16-21, 08:34 AM
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And I have a roll here. Interestingly, I was shopping online for chain stay protectors recently, expecting to see the stick-on chrome finish molded plastic ones I recall from my youth... and all I see now is basically a film. I would not expect much protection from that. That said, your solution would cost me $0.00
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03-16-21, 08:42 AM
#17
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Agree with iAB
Think iAB has the right approach, sand it up and polish that puppy. End up with something like SimiChrome and it'll shine. Might even go deeper with the sand paper to a 2500 or 3000 grit
