Kickstand3
Riding a '38 Autocycle Deluxe
It’s water based tho, might try it on some rust I have laying around
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PLEASE DO NOT CLEAR-COAT YOUR ORIGINAL PAINT VINTAGE BIKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Thread starter fordmike65
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Kato
I live for the CABE
Just bought a CWC built Buckeye - it's in the Project Ride section
I've done the 0000 steel wool and WD40 clean up - wiped it down..........did some more WD40 but after it sits it looks dry.
I went to the boiled linseed next - did that 2x.........stills dries back flat and nasty.
When it's wet using either the WD40 or linseed ( smells nasty ) it looks great..............but then goes flat and blaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh.
Only done 2 other bikes with Satin clear and they turned out great........and I'm about ready to pull the trigger on this one.
It's not a show bike - will never be but the difference between a little shine, which is what the satin does and without is a huge difference.
I've done the 0000 steel wool and WD40 clean up - wiped it down..........did some more WD40 but after it sits it looks dry.
I went to the boiled linseed next - did that 2x.........stills dries back flat and nasty.
When it's wet using either the WD40 or linseed ( smells nasty ) it looks great..............but then goes flat and blaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh.
Only done 2 other bikes with Satin clear and they turned out great........and I'm about ready to pull the trigger on this one.
It's not a show bike - will never be but the difference between a little shine, which is what the satin does and without is a huge difference.
49autocycledeluxe
Riding a '38 Autocycle Deluxe
Clear coat is for amateurs. Look at this rusty mess I just did. 2000 grit wetsanding, 0000 steel wool, and rubbing compound. If I had cleared it the bike would be a mess with clear. Now it is a good looking old bike.
PLERR
Finally riding a big boys bike
Now THAT'S what I'm aspiring to! Nice job! That type of preservation really works for me. Makes me see some of my bikes in a different light.
Any idea of how much time you have in just the hand work on this one? Have you posted a tutorial anywhere?
The more bikes done this way the less that will be clear coated!
49autocycledeluxe
Riding a '38 Autocycle Deluxe
Now THAT'S what I'm aspiring to! Nice job! That type of preservation really works for me. Makes me see some of my bikes in a different light.
Any idea of how much time you have in just the hand work on this one? Have you posted a tutorial anywhere?
The more bikes done this way the less that will be clear coated!
I have many hours into that paint. I would do 1-2 hours at a time... I figure 8-10 hours? one day I spent 3 hours on the forks alone, they were pretty bad plus I was trying to save the pinstripes. there was a lot of detail work around the decals as well.
my 1950 Schwinn Traveler (?) project | Lightweight Schwinn Bicycles
about 5 years ago I saw a sad looking Schwinn racer in a pile of "crummy bikes" at a bike swap for 20 bucks. put some middleweight wheels on it because that is what I had and made a light-middleweight. this got me interested in Schwinn lightweights. been casually looking for one for about 2...
thecabe.com
tacochris
Cruisin' on my Bluebird
Had a buddy of mine back in the height of the patina craze who would take everything he owned, antique coolers, lawn ornaments, old bicycles etc and BURY....and I mean BURY them in clear to the point where they had runs.....and then cover them in pinstriping.
Stuff sold like hotcakes whenever he would sell stuff but I didnt have the heart to mention that the original finish was likely ruined forever. I inherited a nice hoard of bicycle parts when he moved, but sadly some of the better, early Schwinn stuff is encased in clear. Havent gone the route of trying to remove it yet but I will soon.
Stuff sold like hotcakes whenever he would sell stuff but I didnt have the heart to mention that the original finish was likely ruined forever. I inherited a nice hoard of bicycle parts when he moved, but sadly some of the better, early Schwinn stuff is encased in clear. Havent gone the route of trying to remove it yet but I will soon.
GiovanniLiCalsi
Riding a '38 Autocycle Deluxe
Just use polishing compound, every time you clean it. The clear coat will, eventually, wear down to the original finish.
barneyguey
Riding a '38 Autocycle Deluxe
I wouldn't buy one that's been clear coated if anyone cares? 
Archie Sturmer
Riding a '38 Autocycle Deluxe
Perhaps a qualifier would be in order — such as how much left original paint; 50%?
It has been said that clear is just another color and basically a repaint, and I agree, but I do not recall ever choosing clear as a repaint color (especially after primer coats).
I do have some clear paint around and recall only using it on more modern and new metallic flake paint finishes.
It has been said that clear is just another color and basically a repaint, and I agree, but I do not recall ever choosing clear as a repaint color (especially after primer coats).
I do have some clear paint around and recall only using it on more modern and new metallic flake paint finishes.
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