Fiola Rules

Makes sense. Is it harmful to the environment (can I pour it down the drain when finished?) Or should I re-capture the citric acid and dispose of in an environmentally conscious way?

Give it a citric acid bath, polish it up and enjoy it. I've seen pictures and talk of this on other posts? Can you do a citric acid bath on a painted frame? Pardon the ignorance, but what does it technically do? Shine up the paint, remove rust, brighten the finish?

That is a fantastic idea. Thanks for the recommendation.

In the world of classic car restoration there are generally two schools, Factory and Custom. Restore a car back to factory specs, using the VIN number as a guide to repair or replace parts and paint that would have been original to the car and nothing else. On the converse of that, is the Custom restoration which says, the hell with the VIN number, and simply use whatever parts and paint you deem appropriate. I have held on to my childhood BMX bike, a 1987 GT Performer. I want to restore the bike for my son but here is my dilemma. Should the bike be restored to "factory" conditions or should I throw convention to the wind and go for the "custom" restoration? Paint is in fair-to good conditions (colors: blue frame, white handlebars and seatpost, white mag wheels). Need: Pedals, seat-post clamp, brakes, grips, chain). I know The BMX society will have strong opinions one way or another, so I eagerly await your response(s).