Re: [CR]Pogliaghi help needed

(Example: Framebuilding)

Date: Wed, 05 May 2004 21:31:22 -0700
From: "Steve Maas" <stevem@nonlintec.com>
To: Jay Sexton <jvs@sonic.net>, classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: Re: [CR]Pogliaghi help needed
References: <CATFOOD7l4TvOo7dvr000001003@catfood.nt.phred.org> <40988015.7030109@sonic.net>
In-Reply-To: <40988015.7030109@sonic.net>


The white powder is almost certainly aluminum oxide--corrosion, in short. The wheel rims, spokes (obviously), and maybe the hubs, are throw-aways, in my opinion.

In general, any alkaline solution will remove aluminum oxide. Even ammonia often works well. Another option is Barkeeper's Friend, used for cleaning aluminum cookware, but most of what I see in your picures is probably beyond this. If those don't work, a weak lye solution will take off most of it. Don't make the solution very strong (something like 10% drain cleaner in water) and don't leave it in the solution long enough to etch the aluminum underneath. Lye is nasty stuff; you can't let ANY get on your skin.

The alkali soak may not get all the oxide off, and it won't remove the pits left after the oxide is gone. You will probably have to sand with progressively finer sandpaper (up to, say, 600 grit) and then buff it on a wheel. This will get it nice and shiny, though.

I must say, the amount of corrosion is stunning, especially for a bike that doesn't appear to be all that old. It looks like it sat many years in a corrosive environment (like, near the seashore) without being moved.

And, yes, it doesn't look like a Pog to me either, but I'm no expert on them, by far. We'll see what the real experts say.

Steve Maas Long Beach, California

Jay Sexton wrote:
> I was recently given a bike that is decaled Pogliaghi but I suspect it
> may not be, especially since it has a fork with 'S' cast into the crown.
> It is in really bad shape which leads me to ask....how can I get rid of
> the white powder that has coated all the aluminum parts? Does this
> powder mean that all the aluminum needs to be re-anodized? The poor
> thing is in really sad shape. If anyone is interested I have posted
> photos at Yahoo and here is the link:
>
> http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/eclectic_too/my_photos
> Open the Pogliaghi folder. Be patient.....I took 44 photos!!
>
> The lack of lugs, the seat post binder attachment (big set screw), and
> the front fork make me suspicious. Please take a look and let me know
> off list.
>
> Thanks in advance.
> Jay Sexton
> Sebastopol, CA
>
> _______________________________________________


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