Cleaning unknown gunk off of paint

[Major Taylor Archive]

Started cleaning my recently scored Elgin. On the truss rods, the top tube and the seat stays there's a hard black tar-like substance that is not coming off. I don't think it's actual tar but I'm not 100% sure...Any ideas ?

 

[GTs58]

Sure looks like preserved rust to me.

 

[the2finger]

Dude that’s rust

 

[Major Taylor Archive]

Thanks guys, I think the pictures are a little deceiving. It looks like rust except it's more black than the pics show. It has a texture and it's on top of the paint, not coming through it. I'm resisting the urge to scrape it with something. I don't want to damage the paint obviously.

 

[bricycle]

might be mold/mildew. Almost everything in my shed gets that stuff on top surfaces. try scrubbing bubbles first?

 

[Jay81]

I would probably try Goof Off if it were mine, but use caution as you can remove paint if you're not careful.
If you want to try something less harsh first, maybe try simple green.

 

[vincev]

Try mineral spirits.

 

[Major Taylor Archive]

Awesome, thanks guys. I'll let you know what the outcome is.

 

[Boris]

MAYBE you could try some Turtle Wax Bug and Tar Remover on a small inconspicuous spot. Don't remember if I've used it on a bike or not, but I've used it on the car and it didn't hurt the paint.

 

[GTs58]

might be mold/mildew. Almost everything in my shed gets that stuff on top surfaces. try scrubbing bubbles first?

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