Hitchcocks Forum

I have an old RE/CO frame which is in poor condition with a rust pitted surface. For a professional proper treatment I assume it would be blast cleaned etc., but has anyone tried using B&Q Fortress on a rusty frame and it has stopped further rusting? Or is Hammerite better or should I just go to the expense of blast cleaning? The bike is to be used and not for show. Any thoughts?

I have no real advice for you but if it was me, I would have it blasted and then powder coated.. You don't really want a frame rusting out on you.

Just my tuppence worth..

How badly pitted is the frame Graham?

I used Aldi's version of Hammerite on a rusty frame last year. It says you can paint (brush) straight on rubbed-down rust, which is what I did. Took 3 coats and took two weeks to go hard, but it seems a really good coating (and the brush marks aren't that visible...!). Cost me about £6 including some 1" wide emery cloth to rub down...

Good luck.

Stephen

I think i'd be tempted to have it blasted just to see how bad or deep the corrosion is, the better to examine it when clean.

The process will either ruin it if its falling to pieces or it will leave a clean surface to start the rebuild..

Just my thought and no skin off my nose, but it could be off yours if its rotted through under the paint..

I'd get it blasted Graham, it really shows the extent of damage the rust has done. If you powder coat it though, it will show every bit of pitting and really accentuates the surface, so it will look like a moonscape. I'd blast it then get professionally filled and painted, save powder coating for smooth surfaces.

Me too for blasting. The frame of the now legendary Ebay Bullet was very rusty and I decided to blast it to be sure it wasn't pinholed under all the corrosion. It's not expensive to get done and worth it for peace of mind. It'll also save time and be a better base for whatever paint you use. My blaster will put on a coat of etch primer at no extra cost but you may be lucky to find someone who will do this. Word of caution on "straight to metal paints", modern formulations are not all petrol proof, even when cured for long periods. The Ebay Bullet is progressing nicely by the way, pics soon!

REgards, Mark

Blasting and powder coating will cure any rust, the two jobs are usually done concurrently by the powder coat shop. Fertan seems to be the only jungle juice that actually cures rust, I've tried the lot. Hammerite will halt rust if used correctly, that would mean stripping the frame out, wire brushing it and then painting. By which time you may as well go with the powder coat. I had a complete bike frame done a couple of years ago for £20 any colour you like so long as it's one we're doing for a bigger job. That happened to be green but black is ever-popular.

I suggest blast cleaning, then inspecting the frame for anything that needs repairing, carrying out any remedial work necessary and then getting it powder coated.
Where I live the local blast cleaners/powder coaters only charge £100 for blast cleaning and powder coating a motorcycle frame.
Apparently they deal with some people with various competition motorcycles who get the frame blast cleaned, crack tested and powder coated every two years.

One more thing, I suggest blasting only then you do the inspection and decide how damaged the frame is, or is not. While there are excellent coaters out there, there are also powder coaters who will blast and coat any old rubbish. Your choice.

REgards, Mark