cleaning rust off of a pipe

[psyklone393]

"3 stroke" posed a question about cleaning up a rusty pipe so i thought i'd post a few before/after pics. this was the result of using naval jelly and a scotch brite pad. if i had bothered to use a fine steel wool pad and really work some of the spots along the seams it would have been even better but i didn't have much time. i applied the naval jelly, worked it in with the pad, and let it set up for about 15 minutes. then i rinsed it off and took the 'after' pics.

before:





and after:






cheers,

-Z

[IwishIcouldride]

Looks good. I used to clean mine up every other ride but I got tired of it so it just stays rusty. I also used Scotch Brite pads, they worked good.

[psyklone393]

the trick to keeping it looking good after you give it the really good cleaning is to hit it with some wd-40 after washing the bike. this will help prevent it from rusting up again and will also help (a little) with as much dirt/mud sticking to it when you ride next so that it's easier to hose down afterward.


-Z

[monoshock]

Wow, made a great difference. If you really want to add a finishing touch, give it a final polish with some Mother's polish.

[yzernie]

Naval Jelly....a dirtbikers best friend.

[CRF731]

Jeess that cleaned up pretty nice.

[3 stroke]

Originally posted by psyklone393
"3 stroke" posed a question about cleaning up a rusty pipe so i thought i'd post a few before/after pics. this was the result of using naval jelly and a scotch brite pad. if i had bothered to use a fine steel wool pad and really work some of the spots along the seams it would have been even better but i didn't have much time. i applied the naval jelly, worked it in with the pad, and let it set up for about 15 minutes. then i rinsed it off and took the 'after' pics.

cheers,

-Z

Thanks for the pics and info! I will give it a try. Your pipe definitely cleaned up nicely.

[yzernie]

I've had my best luck with fine steel wool that can be purchased at any hardware store. I also wear thick rubber gloves as the chemical in the Naval Jelly can be tough on the skin.

[Woody_393]

I think this needs to see the KB if everyone is agreeable?

Nice Work Z-

[Aus_Rider_22]

For sure. Definetly KB material!

I always had the perception that aftermarket plated pipes tended not to rust. However, this is a great read as I would like to purchase a FMF Fatty in the future.

Thanks for that very good and informative report.

[MotoMan]

Yep Navel jelly works very well, also Lime-a-way will work on Works style pipes like a charm

Moved to the KB.

[twoofeach]

Originally posted by aus_rider_22
For sure. Definetly KB material!

I always had the perception that aftermarket plated pipes tended not to rust. However, this is a great read as I would like to purchase a FMF Fatty in the future.

Thanks for that very good and informative report.

Geoff, they don't rust out of the box. As you may know, from time to time you may encounter some sand, dirt, mud, etc... What happens is those abrasives wear away the protective nickel plating. The unprotected steel is where you will see the rust start to form. It's not something that happens over night. Ask Zack how much use he's gotten out of his pipe before it started to look like that. Scotchbright or fine steel wool will remove the rust. As mentioned earlier, even a good buffing with a metal polish will brighten it up even more. Put a small amount of just about any oil to discourage rust from re-forming.

[3 stroke]

Originally posted by Woody_CRF
I think this needs to see the KB if everyone is agreeable?

Nice Work Z-

You get my vote for adding this to the KB as well.
Thanks again psyklone393!

[twoofeach]

Originally posted by aus_rider_22
For sure. Definetly KB material!

I always had the perception that aftermarket plated pipes tended not to rust. However, this is a great read as I would like to purchase a FMF Fatty in the future.

Thanks for that very good and informative report.

Geoff, they don't rust out of the box. They are protected by a nickel plating. After you scratch the crap out of it with some sand, mud, dirt, etc...the "protective" coating is compromised. Then, rust starts forming in those unprotected pockets. Ask Zach or Zack, how much use he's gotten out of his pipe. Follow Zach's or Zack's advise. If you buy a new one, it's be awhile before you have to worry about that. Also, you could brighten it up even more with any metal polish. In the areas where rust forms, a little oil after washing will prevent that.

[OLDMXRACER 393]

Just thinking outloud here.........What would naval jelly do to tarnished spokes? Does it harm aluminum?

[psyklone393]

that stuff will eat aluminum, it's not recommended.

-Z

[chabat]

All I can say is I am inspired! Where do ya buy Naval Jelly?

[psyklone393]

i got mine at 'home depot', but i think you can get it at any hardware store. while you're there be sure to pick up a good set of gloves. as has already been mentioned, you don't want that stuff touching your skin.

-Z

[Aus_Rider_22]

I got my Fatty second hand. It has no dents or scratches.
It's nice and clean, but I am just wondering how I can get the maximum shine out of it? I use scotch brite pad and WD-40.

This is what it looks like now.


The sun makes it look better in the pics. I am mainly after the "see yourself in it" like when it would have been when new.
Although it looks OK, I would like any suggestions to further improve the shine and new look.
Thanks.

[quadfather03]

I would just use a little mothers polish and a polisher or some type of nickel polish the pipes are coated in nickel so you can just look around and try new things