Monark Owner
'Lil Knee Scuffer
Being a newbie and needing direction, this website has been a big help to me. I am in the process of cleaning up my '48 Monark, and it's going great. I found the thread "patina vs. rust" particularly helpful. I am using the WD40/Steel wool/wax method, and have retained and preserved about 75% of the original paint and pinstripes. Thanks to those who contributed to those threads, you helped save a survivor in the hands of a novice! I will post pictures when I am finished.
While the project is going well, I am at a loss as to how the treat the rims. They are badly rusted, and I test-cleaned a spot to see how it would look. There is almost total loss of chrome on some areas. Otherwise the rims are OK, there is no damage, other than I have to replace two spokes.
I am not sure if these are the original rims from a '48 Monark, perhaps some of you out there would know.
I am at a loss as to what to do? This is a nice original bike, and I want to do the right thing. If I replace them, they will not look consistant with the rest of the bike. I thought of painting them, but am not happy about that idea either since the rear wheel has quite a bit of chrome left (not pictured). Clean up and wax/or clear coat? I would appreciate any advice/suggestions on how to proceed. Thanks for reading!