What can I do to prevent the inside of my lugged steel frame from rusting more?

Question

What can I do to prevent the inside of my lugged steel frame from rusting more?

Answer 1

If you really like the frame and want to keep it, get some rust-stop chemical from the hardware store or an auto body supply (it's phosphoric acid).   Strip the bike completely and use wire tubing brushes to clean it out as best as you can.  Plug off any tiny drains/welder's holes/mounting holes with rubber plugs or nylon screws (you can force them in there if it's not a threaded fitting).  Wrap some rags around frame openings and apply the rust-stop according to the directions.  Wipe up any dribbles immediately with a wet rag so you don't burn through your paint.   If the rust is heavy, do a second treatment after the first is dry.

The acid converts rust to an inert blackish material which takes paint very well.  Let it dry and then apply a good paint, primer, or bare-metal clearcoat to the inside of the tubes (the JP Wiegel stuff is great, but pricey for what it is).  Any auto body store can help you choose a product that will work well.  

It's an involved process, but it's worth doing if you have a valuable frame or one that you just don't want to see die.  Keep in mind that most steel frames will handle a fair amount of rust and flaking and still be structurally sound and safe to ride.   If you get heavy flakes in the bottom bracket when you open it up, or hear lots of tinkling noises as you slowly spin the frame, it's time to give it some attention.  

Other than that, do what you can to keep the bike out of the rain and try to keep it stored in a stable environment.  If you take it out in the winter and bring it back into the house it's just rough on steel, but usually it won't cause too many problems.  The rust/clearcoat treatment should last a long time and keep things safe.  Also, be sure that you repack any loose-ball bearings with fresh grease at least once a year (2 or 3 or 4 times if you have lots of humidity or ride in the rain).  Grease can trap moisture and cause humidity in the tubing as well as destroy the grease and ruin the bearings, so keep it fresh.  Lots of people drill a tiny 1/16" drain hole in the underside of the bottom bracket shell, too....it helps to rid the frame of any rainwater or heavy condensation.  

Good luck...hope you can keep her running strong!   :o)

Answer 2

I cannot believe those people. I just sealed the frame so air cannot passed inside to inner frame and  cleanse the frame by some kerosene and after that I put some motor oil to coat the inner frame to prevent it from oxidation=rust as simple as that.

Answer 3

J.P. Weigle's Frame Saver (link below) or the miser's approach: WD40