First Oa Bath Question

[sfhschwinn]

All the chrome is dull even the chrome that had been shiny before the bath ill post a pic of the bike when its back together

 

[CrazyDave]

A little 0000 steel wool or whatever you like to shine up chrome will bring it right back....dont worry you really cant hurt much except time cleaning it off.

 

[Schwinn499]

Looks like you may have mixed too strong and lost some chrome plating...I think I see copper coming through on the fenders in that photo.

 

[the tinker]

Sorry to hear your sad results with the OX. As far as chrome I have only done severely rusted stuff. There is something about those Phantom fenders. They get that "cloudy" look real easy. Like they say, "once chrome is gone, it's gone".
Any acids that attack iron oxide will seep into pitted areas and follow any rust that has crept under the plating.
Leave it in a solution long enough and a small pit will turn into a peeled off patch.
Look at it this way; you still will have a nice original bike, lack of chrome , paint not that great....so what?
Phantoms with re-pop fenders and all new chrome on them are nice....but you have a survivor. Keep it "as is" ,ride and enjoy. Can always find one for sale that has been "restored" later if you want.
Truth be told, the hard ridden, somewhat crusty originals get more attention anyway

 

[sfhschwinn]

Probably did mix to string but I was following the instructions so my fault. Truth be told I don't think there was alot of chrome under there to begin with as It was heavy rust that was pitted. Tinker you are right I have a survivor minus the restored tank and repop taillight and new seat leather. I rode it 4 easy miles and then took it to the max for another 2. As soon as I plug my phone into the computer I will upload the pic I just took great rider and smooth. Screw the restored bikes and new repop parts (unless absolutely needed) OG bikes are the best no matter condition

 

[SirMike1983]

I'd be inclined to experiment on it with some really good chrome polish; Simichrome maybe. You may be able to restore shine to the better areas with patience and some really good polish formulated for chrome.

 

[sfhschwinn]

I tried blue magic and it took a little off it not a major difference still a good bike

 

[SirMike1983]

The thing with Black Phantoms (and other cantilever frames) is that it's good to distinguish your bike from the cheaper reproductions. I actually believe a worn or 'relic' type condition on these is better than brand new because it really looks like an original, not a reproduction. In some ways, it's a shame the reproductions and knock-offs became so common- if your bike is really nice, some people actually assume is a new, Chinese-made production. I think the condition on this really suits the project.

 

[partsguy]

Good info. I am bumping this. If there an ideal temperature when using this stuff?

 

[sfhschwinn]

Good info. I am bumping this. If there an ideal temperature when using this stuff?

I used the hottest water i could get from the faucet