What are folks using for internal rust treatment after frame completion for steel frames? I’ve used FrameSaver, as well as Boeshield T9. It seems like Framesaver might no longer be available as Q has discontinued the item. I like Boeshield in other applications so I’d be happy to hear that others have had good luck over the years with it.
I build lugged frames and every tube is vented so it is easy to get access (and to let any moisture exit). I am located in Minneapolis where winter is wet and very salty, so rust is a real threat if steel is not protected with paint or oil, even if a bicycle is used only occasionally in the winter or shoulder season . I spent enough years working on high-mileage bikes in shops to see many otherwise great bikes end life early due to internal rust.
I’ve heard of some builders using linseed oil which is intriguing to me, or other brands of ‘fogging’ oil similar to FrameSaver. I’m curious what people are using out there.
This might belong in general discussion but Education seems like a fine place for it too-
I’m planning to try boiled linseed oil when my 1/3 of a can runs out. Without the aerosol foaming, it’s going to be even messier and harder to coat everything, but I’m pretty sure it’s mostly the same thing, based on the smell. I just did a quick search for high viscosity spray bottles, and they seem to exist. I will try rigging something up when the time comes.
Or else a syringe
Not sure what I’m going to use yet, but I’ve been kicking around the idea of using an automotive internal rust preventative coating. I know KBS and Eastwood both sell spray can versions with a long tube to apply it. Also have considered using motorcycle chain wax, since it leaves a nice sealed coating after it dries. Does anyone’s have any experience with these options?
I use Woolwax on my truck frame/underside to prevent/slow down corrosion, and have been impressed enough that I’ve wondered about using it for inside frames. It’s more expensive per can than Boeshield T9 though, and messier. They do sell long applicators for it as well.
I use KBS Cavity Coater, its an automotive product I found when doing my truck restoration. Smells and looks similar to frame saver (I have a hunch FS is just rebranded vehicle cavity wax). The real killer is the 36" spray wand with a 360 degree tip, just spray and pull, no shaking the frame around etc.
I use the AMSOIL MP-HD because it is super easy to get. I think good application is the most important part so some of the alternate options with nicer nozzles could work better. But the Amsoil stuff is so cheap ($25AUD a can) I don’t mind using a bit extra and/or doing a second spray in the critical areas after the first one has cured.
I’ve been using fluid film. No complaints other than the sheep smell. Might be a bit thicker than other products though, it seems to stay put rather than run along a surface
Someone asked Peter Weigle why he came up with framesaver when fluid film exists. I recall his answer was that it didn’t travel to the far reaches of tubes. You can get sprayers for fluid film that allow you to go all the way into a tube, but your vent holes might have to be bigger than usual.
Mass production steel frames are being ED-coated on the inside (Surly, Allcity, Soma, etc). Is this something that any of the custom framebuilders choose to do? Or framesaver / automotive wax is enough?
I’ve seen frames from Surly that were ED coated rust out here in salty salty Minneapolis, so I’ve always advised some other oily internal treatment anyways (these were frames that were ED coated but never treated with additional wet-applied corrosion protection). I also haven’t ever looked around to find a shop that could ED coat or do something similar. I know Paul Wyganowski used to have his frames “pickle dipped” in zinc phosphate somewhere in minnesota, which was supposed to coat in the inner and outer surfaces. It apparently worked great as a paint base as well. I think remember him saying it was cost effective until the shop that did it moved or closed. It would be slick to find another source for that service. Even so I still advise internal oiling ever 5-10 years in our climate here, even with an ED coating, so to me ED feels like adding a belt to a set of suspenders? But if anyone in the Minnesota area knows a place that could ED single frames, I’d be interested.
I’ve had other brands from Minnesota, Montana and the Dakotas tell me they also have their steel frames ED coated.
Related I saw on reddit a nickel plated Sklar bike and was told it came that way and that it was done as rust prevention. It was also plated inside too.
