Whats the best way to clean old metal bike parts?

greeko33

Hi all,

I've managed to get my hands on a free bike (Eclipse, 80's??? 531c tubing) and am planning on turning it into a pub/hack bike.

I'm going to strip and re-build but before I do wanted to find out whats best to get that shine back on metal parts without damaging them.

Any ideas? I was going to use wire wool but thought it might be to abrasive.

Cheers

P.S. Has anyone every heard of an Eclipse bike? Would be interested to know if its worth re-painting in the future.

OffTheBackAdam

It depends on what the metal is. Aluminium has a surface film on that prevents corrosion, so vigourous cleaning will remove that and it'll retarnish quickly. Chrome steel doesn't.
So Duraglit is one way to go (God, how much time did I spend as a teen, polishing chrome spokes! :roll: )
With Aluminium, just detergent and water, unless you want to clean it every week!

Hugh A

Your local auto shop should have a range of polishes suitable for metal parts of various kinds which should remove minor scratches and leave all shiny. Just check whether it is suitable for chrome or aluminimum or steel etc. If the aluminium is anodized then vigorous polishing will remove the finish. If it is not and already heavily oxidised then the right
polish should help get it shiny and protect from corrosoin.