Rust on steel frame

Moonbiker

Hi my bike is starting to suffer pretty badly from rust, thinking maybe its not worth cost to remedy, as its only a Cromoly 4031 frame.



Rust seems to be bubbling up from under the paint rather than where the paint is scratched, The worse area is round were the frame tubes join the BB. I Think it really needsd a a paint stripe and respray which would cost more than the frames worth?

I like the frame but its it worth spending any money on it or better scrape it and try find a replacement?

Frame is 53cm c-t, 1 inch threaded headset @ downtube shifters so suppose I must look to ebay for a second hand replacement if I want to transfer everything over to a new frame....

reds99

Powder coat £25/30 ?? Do prep work yourself, 240 grit, then 320, then 400??

keezx

Brush away the rust with steelbrush in the grinder, Primer and spray 3x. Job done.

simon_masterson

Refinishing is part and parcel of owning a steel frame. If you like it, there is no wrong in putting some new paint on - whether enamel or powder coat, DIY or full restoration with decals. It's not hugely expensive whatever you do, and you will get many more years service from your frame. It's not 'special', but it's not a gaspipe either.

But what is clear is that you need to do something, if that's the condition it's in. You may remember my thread from a few months ago, though - you must protect your frame from internal rust; at least as much as external.

woolwich

Yes, powder coat or patch repair, both would be a good fix.
Pay particular heed to Simons advice about internal corrosion. Even if you are careful with cleaning and never ride in the rain, under the right conditions condensation can form inside the tubes. With enough time this can pool in the bottom bracket area. I have worked on a good few bikes which when the BB has been dropped, as much as a coke cans worth of rusty brown flakey fluid has emerged. Best to investigate before going further.

Moonbiker

I can't remember any rust being inside last time the bb was swapped.

What is a reasonable price to pay for the frame/fork to be striped or shotblasted & powdercoated if i take all the other bits off them take frame and forks someplace to do it.

£60?

mikenetic

Armourtex will do a strip and powder coat frame and fork with a colour and gloss laquer for £77

Woolwich makes an excellent point though. I've seen plenty of frames rot through at the base of the seat tube, there are crevices where water can collect. Even seen it on an Independent Fabrication frame.

The rust won't be in the BB, it'll be above it. The tube will tend to rot faster as the BB is one of thickest steel sections on a frame. Best test is to have a gentle poke of the rust bubbles with a sharp wooden skewer or a screwdriver. If it goes through, you have a problem.

telesv650

The extent of the rust determines the answer to your question. If it is surface rust the answer is get the frame powder coated and it will last a few years longer. If the rust is deep, scrap the frame. Get the paint off in that area and take a look.

For internal corrosion get the frame wax oiled (or similar). Adds a bit of weight, but heck it's a steel frame.