[CR]Conserving Steel Frames

(Example: Framebuilders:Alex Singer)

From: <Crankyrigger@cs.com>
Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2004 12:30:10 EST
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR]Conserving Steel Frames

Reading the threads about painting, preserving, and clearcoating got me to thinking about modern paint jobs.

I have recently come across a few steel frames with disturbing rust issues. These have all been modern frames, out of the CR timeline, but all built by "keepers of the flame" and painted by a universally acclaimed painter. What I've seen is that rust begins at a tiny chip or break at the paint, but then spreads remarkably far under the paint. In a way I see this as a drawback of using modern paints. On an old PX 10 the spot would be much more likely trust and stop there. With the tougher modern paints, the film strength is sufficient to both trap moisture and remain intact as rust travels beneath it. In fact, on the frame I'm currently working with, the ripples in the paint are still remarkably tough. If the paint had been applied by a lesser painter I would have assumed they were slight runs and left them alone, but knowing this painter's work I knew that there had to be a problem under the paint.

Obviously, this kind of thing can be prevented with serious vigilance and maintenance. But what about those fine frames owned (and less frequently serviced) by less passionate owners? It's hard to fault them when they've been sold on how durable the paint will be. I've got one in my shop now that isn't terribly old, hasn't been ridden enough, and has been reasonably well cared for, but the extent of the ripples in the paint lead me to suggest that the owner have the frame repainted.

Mike Fennelly