MTFCA Forum

This should probably be over in the off topic section but since the question and solutions are applicable to our Tin Lizzies as well I thought that it would be all right to ask here. In addition to my love of Model Ts I also collect high wheel bicycles and am currently working on a Gormully & Jeffrey. The bike was horrible, having been in a wreck at some point that broke the frame and a crank, bent the handle bars, the axle, and the pedals. I would like to know what happened to the rider. Anyway, most of the issues have been sorted and now comes some type of finish or preservation. I am seriously considering leaving it in its patina appearance but would like to figure out some good protective coating that will prevent new rust and preserve the current look. At the moment it is rubbed down with gun oil but that isn't a long term solution. I wonder if there is a good wax that would serve the purpose. I have considered clearcoating it but sometime I may decide to paint it and don't want something that would be particularly difficult to remove or something that will effect the adjustment of spokes and screws once applied. I am sure that the unrestored T owners will be interested in your answers. Also, does anyone have experience with the home nickel plating setups on Amazon? I would like to know if they are worth the money.

Thanks and God Bless

A non-abrasive wax will do whether it's SC Johnson Paste Wax or automotive carnuba wax.

For rusty or pitted surfaces, you can use a nylon bristle brush like a toothbrush or soft scrub brush. After it dries, buff it with a nylon bristle brush so you don't end up with white residue.

...May have been hit by a street car.....

The most recommended plating supplier is Caswell the have a variety of methods all depends on what your intending to do & size, so start looking at this one and others https://caswellplating.com/plug-n-plate-nickel-kit.html same price as on Amazon

Use some tide and a bucket of water to wipe it down to get any dirt and residue off the bike. Don’t rub to hard but enough to clean it. Don’t rub the areas that may have paint and etc. Rust can be flattened out enough by a tooth brush. Rinse and dry well then use a good furniture past wax and apply it.
What ever you do remember to try it on a small portion to start with. See how it turns out then go from there. Good luck!

lots of the rat rod guys use boiled linseed oil to finish off rusted bodies. Seems to work pretty well AFAIK.

Yes, make a French polish: linseed oil, turpentine, shaved bees wax, can't remember the proportions. The point is that many folks ruin wonderful antiques by applying new finishes. To be best as an antique, nothing should be done that can't be reversed. There is a huge literature out there on these topics. Watch Antique Roadshow for general advice.

I have used Flood Penetrol (available at Lowes) with great results, goes on a little glossy but tones down to about a satin finish. I put 2 coats on and left it to dry for a couple days.

I have collected old rusty tractors for years and have tried everything I could think of to seal down the rust and enhance the patina. I was surprised when I accidentally sprayed “TrickShot” penetrating oil on an old Fordson engine and was rewarded with a nice low luster finish. I did the whole tractor six months ago and it still looks good. I spray it it liberally and then wipe off the excess allowing it to pool around nuts and bolts a bit. I think it’s a soy based product so it doesn’t smell awful and presents little environmental or health issues.

Rust can form from the inside out as well as the outside in. One of my sons many years ago when we lived at the beach rode his bicycle down into the salt water. He thought it was fun. Later the bike frame collapsed from rust on the inside.
Norm

Here’s another thumbs up for Penetrol. I’ve used it very successfully on a number of antique hand tools, where I wanted to maintain a vintage appearance, but didn’t want to have to keep dealing with rust reappearing. My daily-use chisels received the Penetrol wipe-on treatment more than a decade ago and still look terrific. The stuff completely stops further rusting without looking like a plastic coating and doesn’t chip off.