Restoring extremely rusted rims on bike

[aegis]

Hi

We have a hand me down bike which has been in the family for 30+ years. It's original ower is now in her fourties!!! I'm attached to this bike because the memories I have with my dad riding it.

It has rusted underneath the chrome coating it had so it now all pitted.

I was wondering, can I respray the paint back onto the rim?

[GeorgeET]

If the rim rusted, they are steel and are not of good quality. Yes you can clean them using 0000 steel wool and wd40, or Naval Jelly. Than use chrome polish to finish. Make sure to clean off all residue as it will effect braking significantly! However if you really like the bike than get a new set of wheels. You can get aluminum rim wheels on the low end for about $100 a pair. Sounds like new tubes and tires are in order to. Than clean and grease all bearings, chain. cables, and ride again.

More info on the bike an the wheel size from tires and if you find any numbers stamped on rim would help. Check your local bike shops they may have replacement wheels and help you get the right ones.

[aegis]

(07-24-2016, 12:44 PM)GeorgeET Wrote:  If the rim rusted, they are steel and are not of good quality. Yes you can clean them using 0000 steel wool and wd40, or Naval Jelly. Than use chrome polish to finish. Make sure to clean off all residue as it will effect braking significantly! However if you really like the bike than get a new set of wheels. You can get aluminum rim wheels on the low end for about $100 a pair. Sounds like new tubes and tires are in order to. Than clean and grease all bearings, chain. cables, and ride again.

More info on the bike an the wheel size from tires and if you find any numbers stamped on rim would help. Check your local bike shops they may have replacement wheels and help you get the right ones.

The rusted rim is actually 12.5inch (just the rim no tyre). So I can just put in a 12inch wheel right?

[GeorgeET]

Is it a folding bike or a kids bike. Photo?

If spindle width is the same most likely, depending on brake set up.

[aegis]

(07-25-2016, 01:11 AM)GeorgeET Wrote:  Is it a folding bike or a kids bike. Photo?

If spindle width is the same most likely, depending on brake set up.

I doubt I'll ever get them to look ok again and the axle is bent. I suspect our builders didn't treat my bike nicely.

I believe they're caliper brakes.

Also by spindle, do you mean axle?

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B1TYWYHTR4lSVl9sMjRIeXpUWnc
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B1TYWYHTR4lSVENlcV9HVURVX0E

How do I measure this spindle width you speak of?

[GeorgeET]

OK I see yeh spindle or hub, axle goes through the hub . Measure the distance between fork legs and rear where wheel fits and that will tell you what width hub you need. I think these 12" will work. If to narrow you can put spacers on. You can also stretch frame a bit no more than 5mm.
Parts are more expensive than bikes. Check stores for donor kids bike, cost about as much as a set of wheels and you get tires and more, or Craigs list.

http://www.bikepartsusa.com/Bike-Parts-srk/Bike-Wheels-drk/