coomber":fhyd6kov said:
Would love to know how you sort the rust when its that bad on the components (i.e. the brakes that were rust red and now look amazing).
Great pics.
It's not always possible to save everything unless you intend to rechrome, but the process I've found most successful is the use of a wire wheel, be it on a bench grinder or drill attachment, and a polishing mop with compound.
I occasionally use the sanding belt too if needed.
Smooth wire wool can remove surface rust, as can smooth Emery cloth or similar.
Chrome depth is key. You remove a layer each time, but can only do so much with the layers left, and knowing when to leave alone or stop is helpful.
Lots of parts may look like chrome, but are often much cheaper coatings, that respond better to polishing rather than wire wheel buffing, but much is just having a go and seeing what comes of it.
There are folk who would rather a bike was left 'as is' and keep the aged look, but for me it's an individual thing.
Patina is in the eye of the beholder.