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Overcleaning....too much?

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C M Gerlach

Wore out three sets of tires already!
I always like gaining original paint from a beat up rusty thing....also like bringing back pitted parts to get them riding.....not always, but not sure.......usually toc stuff....so opinions welcome....

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already cleaned this one up....another few waiting....I feel like maybe I should leave them dirty......to clean...or not....that is the conundrum.
 
I am for cleaning but not over cleaning. You need to leave some of the grim and rust, especially on the early ones.

I have a couple here that I have been re-blooming rust because past owners were too ambitious with their cleaning abilities.

And please folks, STOP THE OA BURN! Bicycles soaked for hours or overnight sure look different when they come out of the drink but rarely do they look good!
 
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I don't have a "before" picture, but this rear springer from a donor was super bent, and so crusty that the stamped lettering was unreadable, and the moving parts were seized....now cleaned regreased and functioning, but looks wrong....It won't go on this project, .....maybe I overdid it. works good.
Of course functionality is kind of important.

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still sorta hate overdoing it.
 
I have to admit I tend to be an over cleaner. Have to sit back and STOP myself @ least on the 1920's 30's bikes. It's a little tough because I see it and know I can clean it up but like it was said... some of the dirt/age needs to stay on. I get it but it's killing me😓
 
I at least make sure the mechanics of the bike are cleaned as they would be on a bike that is ridden. Not shined up, just clean.
 
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