Sorry, the correct url is http://picklexpro.com/
Roman Stankus Atlanta, Ga.
-----Original Message----- From: classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org [mailto:classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org] On Behalf Of Roman Stankus Sent: Sunday, May 15, 2005 1:05 PM To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: [CR]do you have nagging rust problems?
I knew that this topic would get you all excited!
Just thought I would share some info that might be of use for anyone with an old steel bike with some irritating rust problems that just don't seem to have a good answer. You know, you've got a great bike with all this fine patina and so much character and personality and then there's that rust patch under some cable guides or at the BB shell that is slowly eating your bike and making you think you might have no choice but to repaint it. Argh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In the course of doing some research into steel lugged frames/framebuilding, I came across a great product (PicklexPro) that reacts with rust to eliminate it and prevent it from returning for a reasonable amount of time - depending on exposure to ??? I recently got a frame that was in very nice condition except for some spots of rust here and there along lug edges where the paint was very thin and decided to try Picklex available from Frame Builders Mart (Freddy Parr). I applied coat after coat of this stuff until the rust spots had returned to the color of bare metal and I am going to leave it that way because they are inconspicuous and I don't want to and don't think the bike needs to be touched up. In the process, there was no damage to the paint that came into contact with the Picklex product. The neat thing about this stuff is that it is very fluid(not viscous) and it gets under paint that has rust under it and converts it all to stable ???? something that stops the rust.
I am not a chemist (but have stayed at a holiday Inn) so I don't really understand how this product works, but I do know from personal experience that it does work. I've taken lugs that were encrusted in rust and soaked them in the stuff - half an hour later they looked like brand new - and they won't rust any more after they're treated(unless they're filed/sanded etc). This product is sold for framebuilders, but I think that many of you may find this product very useful in doing non-invasive restoration work on some of your fine old machines that you don't want to send to the restorers. After using this product, you could touch up over it if you like. I know we've all seen bikes that were very old and the finish was just wearing off. I think this product applied to exposed metal like this would protect it without changing the look of the bike. As usual, I would experiment to your satisfaction on something less valuable before trying this on your heirloom steed. Obviously , some bikes need to be restored, but this method might help keep some very unique bikes with original finishes from needing a restore prematurely(or forever).
To read a better explanation/description of the product, see
http://www.piclexpro.com/
It's not a cheap product($90 a quart) and it used to be sold in smaller quantities. The price has also increased a lot in the past year(I think there is an improved formula?). Nevertheless, I love the stuff as it just kills rust beautifully. I used a few eyedroppers full to do what I needed to do on my frame. I use it for framebuilding stuff too.
Good luck with those restorations!
BTW, I have no connection to this product other than being a satisfies user.
Roman Stankus
Atlanta, Ga.