One of the most common questions we hear regarding our vintage frames is, “What do you think about frame saver?”  Our most common answer is, “Rust never sleeps.”

Inevitably, a follow-up discussion revolves around what exactly is J.P. Weigle’s Frame Saver?  Is it a magic elixir … is it WD-40 repackaged … is it snake oil medicine?  The answer is we don’t know.

However, we do know that it does what it promises … it cleans out the old nasty loose rust particles and prevents more from forming. It provides a protective barrier against new rust, but alas it cannot reverse the effects of existing rust. And it smells funny … it must be working.

So if you are wondering if it is right for your lugged steel steed, the answer is “Yes”, but with a few caveats:

• Only use it on a frame that it completely disassembled.  In other words, a “preventative” squirt down the seattube will do more harm than good … you’ll send all of the nasty sludge straight at your bottom bracket with nowhere for it to go.
• Be careful with new paint.  It won’t eat away at your fresh coat of paint or clear, but it is not exactly good for it either.  It can leave behind a dry residue that can be tedious to remove.
• Be aware that the product needs to dry, so that means have a place and position for your frame to relax in for at least 24 hours … with cloths or paper towels ready to catch the over-run.
• Definitely thoroughly read the directions.  Applying J.P. Weigle’s Frame Saver is definitely not a difficult process, but you need to be prepared ahead of time.  Kind of like you don’t start making lasagna and then try to find a place to cook it.

On average, we thoroughly coat 3 frames with one 4.75 oz. can.  This varies by frame sizes and conditions, but if you use one can on one frame, you have really over done it.  We recommend attentive rotation of the frame every 2 hours or so, and reapplication where needed.  This is not a process that can be rushed, so plan on about 36 – 48 hours of frame down-time depending on your atmospheric conditions.

Obviously, we believe in this product and feel that it has value for our customers.  That’s why you can buy J.P. Weigle’s Frame Saver from Renaissance Bicycles.