Re: [CR]Conservation/restoration etc

(Example: Component Manufacturers:Chater-Lea)

From: <BobHoveyGa@aol.com>
Date: Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:12:20 EDT
Subject: Re: [CR]Conservation/restoration etc
To: BobHoveyGa@aol.com, classicrendezvous@bikelist.org


In a message dated 7/18/08 3:36:05 PM, gholl@optonline.net writes:


> >>  You may be correct in suggesting that waxing
> or oiling may seem to slow the destruction caused
> by rust. But, in reality the process continues.
>
>

The main point of my post was to suggest that this is precisely not the case, with the application of proper care.  Rust is not a virus or disease, it is a chemical reaction that is slowed or accelerated by other factors besides it's proximity to existing rust, and there is more than ample evidence that the presence of compacted iron oxides can actually SLOW the process by limiting iron's access to oxygen and moisture.  I don't know how much more clear or credible I can make this point since I am not a metalurgist... I have no statistical studies to show you, only my own experiences and those of (quite a few) others who have posted on this matter.

I have only been collecting bikes for a decade or so, but allow me to relate a longer-running experience with my great-grandfather's planes and chisels which have been in my posession for 40 years. As you know, the nature of these tools precludes the use of paint on their working surfaces.  They came into my hands with numerous rust spots, some of which I polished out, others I just left alone after removing all loose material.  Since then I have kept them oiled and dry, but have not given them any greater care than the other tools in my possession.  In the time I have had them, the rusted areas have not spread or deepened, and on those occasions when spots of fresh rust did appear, it was always appeared first on highly polished surfaces where there was no rust at all. 
>>Furthermore, painting doesn't erase all "originality" it's only a coating-and not one always put on by the builder himself.

With all due respect, isn't that a specious justification?  Whether the paint is subcontracted or not, we are talking about paint (and decals) that are original and of the period.  Bugatti never built the bodies on his Royales either, does that make them less worthy of conservation than the drive train?


>>  I also agree that the damage we currently see on too many vintage bikes was due to former neglect-but I'm hoping that we here on CR do nothing here to perpetuate such continued neglect with false notions such as "patina," etc.

I do understand your point ... I'm one of those who does not consider rust patina and I usually make an effort not to refer to it as such.  My only purpose in advocating restraint (by halting the spread of rust rather than repainting the whole bike) is to prevent the removal of material that is irreplaceable.  I have spent my entire life in the art field and am too familiar with the horrible damage that has been done by overzealous and premature restoration.

Bob Hovey Columbus, GA USA http://bhovey.com/masi

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