Collegiate profile

I heard about soaking parts in vinegar from vintagebmx.com. Some use harsher acids, but I found vinegar works well and is safer around my daughter. Nice thing is the tub of vinegar doesn't seem to lose its "power" no matter how much you use it - unlike other acids. Plus, it's not too harsh on the chrome if used carefully. Some parts take a few minutes to break up light surface rust. Other parts might take 24-48 hours. The freewheel however was frozen solid. I removed the dust covers and let it soak for 2 or 3 days. It's ugly, but it purrs like a kitten. For really heavy rust I used CLR, but be careful it will eat the chrome quickly. Get yourself some brass wool and fine steel wool pads, also a brass wire brush proved helpful when cleaning between spokes, etc. Chrome breaks down in acid and bleach and will sometimes not survive the cleaning process. A trip to the platers is sometimes unavoidable. I'll live with the light pitting and "patina" that come with age. Gives the old bike character.

Thanks for that info. It also made me recall stories about people using Coke to clean auto bumpers. I Guess Coke has some acid in it which react with the metal (and teeth I am guessing).

Some swear by oxilic acid, or some such spelling. I haven't tried it, but I hear it's good too. The brass brush was the best. Softer than chrome but harder than rust. Perfect. Cheap at home depot.