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Rusty Inards
#1
First of all, let me apologize if there's already a thread on this. I'm simply far too lazy to go trawling through search results Smile

I've just received a frame, complete with forks, with the intention of building up a bike (never tried it before). Upon inspection I noticed that inside the frame there is what seems like an unsettling amount of rust, plus a few cobwebs and bits of crap.

Basically I'm wondering if this is okay? I'm particularly worried about the bottom bracket area and the crossbar/seat stays where I can't see inside. I've read about soaking the frame in some kind of acid but I don't know if this is absolutely necessary.

Here are some pictures of said frame: http://flic.kr/s/aHsjumJyqz

Any advice/guidance would be much appreciated.

Cheers
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#2
Oxalic acid is often used for rust removal, you can get it at an autoparts store. You need to make sure that you flush it all out, and then you have to cover the steel with something - paint, under coating or similar - making sure to mask the threads.

Use compressed air (if you have access to an air compressor) or bottle brushes to clean out the tubing.

Before doing any acid cleaning, you need to remove ALL of the components from the frame - so you will have no problem seeing in the bottom bracket and head set areas.

You also need to plan of repainting......

Personally, I would clean it out with dry bottle brushes, and call it good enough.
Nigel
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