Saving a Mercian frame - advice needed

[Alfa GT]

Hi all

I'm looking into trying to save an 80s mercian frame which has a fair bit of surface rust. I was thinking of getting it painted but is there a way to preserve it as it is now with rust and all without it getting worse? It's only original once after all!

Thanks

 

[midlife]

Frame looks like a Mercian Campionissimo with Haden lugs. it looks like all of the original paint has gone? Maybe time to refinish.

 

[Alfa GT]

Most of the original paint has gone but you can still see glimpses around the frame. It was originally a gun metal grey type colour anyway. I'd like to try and get some of the rust off and seal it to preserve whatever of the paint is left. Is it possible?

 

[midlife]

There's something on you tube about doing that sort of thing to an old Claud Butler, it's been posted on here a couple of times. I'll have a hunt.

 

[Deleted member 26715]

Strip it down & then clear lacquer the frame, you may have to test it somewhere that can't be seen just in case reacts, it will need wiping down with cleaning rags.

 

[GuyBoden]

Clean, rub down with wire wool, add a thin coat of Boiled Linseed oil with a cloth, leave to dry, then add another coat.

That's what I used on my old 531c frame...

It's the oily rag look.......

 

[Cycleops]

I think this was the video that @midlife was thinking of;


View: https://youtu.be/ZevADI6Bx7w

Have a look at his other videos on restoring vintage bikes.
You might have a struggle with that stem.

 

[Cycleops]

If anyone else fancies a similar project and are not too far from Norfolk this '79 Mercian is a bargain at £165. Looks to be in reasonable condition too;
https://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/1979-mercian-touring-road-bike-reynolds-steel/1348617106

 

[midlife]

Another Campionissimo

 

[Drago]

I'm a fan of original patina, but I'm also a chicken. It's probably ok, but I'd want that pain off to check the integrity of the frame where its corroded.

 

[Alfa GT]

I'm a fan of original patina, but I'm also a chicken. It's probably ok, but I'd want that pain off to check the integrity of the frame where its corroded.

Get what you mean but if i can get away without painting then I'd like to. The you tube video above makes me want to do it even more!

 

[gbb]

Colleague of mine has a circa 1964 Lambretta with all its nicks, dents and scratches for all to see in it's original paint. It has a charm all of it's own. Lovely idea to retain and preserve the original paintwork and decals.

 

[CXRAndy]

The American s clear coat vehicles to preserve the surface rust patina

 

[Alfa GT]

The American s clear coat vehicles to preserve the surface rust patina

I was thinking this but i need to get soke of the really rough rust off first

 

[Drago]

You need a large container and some oxalic acid. That'll remove the rust but won't harm the paint. Then use a 2 pack aerosol such as Spraymax, as the normal stuff will just chip. Spraymax can be had in satin finish, which would seal the surface and would be obvious.