Caring for a Rusty Racer

Hi,
I have almost finished putting together my 1950s Beasley track frame and am wondering how to protect the patina which has developed.

It has some surface rust where the paint has come off, but generally is really nice. I essentially want to protect it and stop it changing much more. It is not really rust proofing (as per other threads) but rather... rust caring...

I dont want to put a clear coat on, as this will make it shiny and 'freeze' its development. I am thinking a wax would be best.

Any suggestions would be great.

Bike is here

Thanks, Tim

But what wax? Stuff used on cars will be shiny. You could try a rust treatment like jenolite (several out there) and then just keep the bike dry

Look for a car product called 'ankorwax'.....it is used extensively in the VW scene, to protect the metal and preserve the patina of rat look......it's hard to get hold of, but there are loads of places out there and you won't need much..

No Idea how to answer your question, but that's a nice build.
Did you get new 27" rims? If so, was wondering what you got / if you looked into it much, etc?

Linseed oil would be perfect - goes on with a rag, dries to a hard finish, doesn't rub off on your clothes, has a satin finish, and protects excellently against rust. Use the thin straw-coloured linseed oil (found in art shops for mixing paints) - the thick orange stuff used for preserving wood has a yellowy finish.

Linseed oil would be perfect - goes on with a rag, dries to a hard finish, doesn't rub off on your clothes, has a satin finish, and protects excellently against rust. Use the thin straw-coloured linseed oil (found in art shops for mixing paints) - the thick orange stuff used for preserving wood has a yellowy finish.

+1 - I've used this for the same purpose

I've used linseed oil too with great results. Don't forget to burn the rag or drench it in water after you're done as it can spontaneously combust after a while.

Linseed oil needs to be of the "boiled" variety.
Alternative solution to consider might be Owatrol
More discussion on this thread...
https://www.lfgss.com/thread90850-2.html

Linseed oil needs to be of the "boiled" variety.

I've used both. Boiled stuff dries much faster but it has a yellowy appearance with multiple coats. Unboiled takes a few days but it's clear. Couldn't tell any difference in terms of rust protection.

^Useful info. The reason I'd been told to used boiled was that it dries easily. I'd therefore assumed that the unboiled would sit like a grease on the frame and rub off on your trousers!
I have nothing on my frame at the mo, but when it rains I have to scrub my right thigh to remove the rust stains!

love this bike!

Have ordered some boiled for a project I have on the go. Hope it protects better than rattlecan lacquer.

It's perfect, I've been using it for a couple of years now.