Re-Paint or Not?

[wrongway]

I realize this can be a really touchy subject. I am a preservationist whenever possible, but I wonder about this one. This is on my '51 Rudge Aero Clubman. Can this be brought back to orange? I'm trying some rubbing compound on it, but what is the black spotting? Can it be removed? I do see that I can still buy decals for this bike. Thoughts?

 

[ZE52414]

Try wd40 and OOOO Steel wool. Just be careful around striping and decals.

 

[wrongway]

Try wd40 and OOOO Steel wool. Just be careful around striping and decals.

It's actually possible to get the color back? I did try some steel wool, but was nervous about what it might do.

 

[catfish]

I think that will clean up. No repaint.

 

[wrongway]

Maybe I could try wood bleach?

 

[mike j]

Yes, this looks like a really good candidate for an Ox bath.

 

[2jakes]

Black spotting is rust which has built up under the old paint over the years.
Cleaning it up is fine...but it also brings up the defects as well.
Removing rust spots is possible but you might be removing what's
left of the original orange paint as well.
I have a bike with similar conditions.
Luckily the color is dark and I am able to touch up with a fine sable brush.
I do oil canvas painting as a hobby and have experience mixing paints.

The orange color is more challenging in trying to match with the rest of the bike color scheme.
Whatever techniques you try...
If possible, suggest you experiment on some part that you won't mind if it's not done right.
Good luck!

 

[wrongway]

How do the transfers fair through such a bath? Does it destroy them?