Restoring this ~2000 Trek 5200 USPS edition and want to make it look as new as possible.
The film over the metal piece has yellowed with age and trapped some gunk inside that I want to remove. Will this damage the paint or the Shimano decal under it? And what’s the best way to do this?
Also wondering what this metal piece is for, if I’m fine removing it, and the best way to go about it.
Thanks.
by ummmmmm3949
5 Comments
The metal piece and film are both there to protect the frame from damage if/when you drop the chain. Unless you plan to repaint, probably best to leave them.
Regarding the protective film, if you remove it I would definitely recommend putting new tape on or some type of chainstay protection. Best way to go about removal is to heat up the area with a heat gun or hairdryer and peel slooowly. Take your time and don’t force it.
no, it will be hard to finda a quality replacement for that.
Please don’t, they help protect the chainstay from paint chips when the chain rattles around. I ride mtb and I made myself one and it still hits the parts where I don’t have a cover. Here is a picture of what I meant:
https://preview.redd.it/ebyqq4inw1vd1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b4dd7b8e848aa275d3d28938ceb324e15c68627a
Maybe warm it up with a hairdryer and try to lift the clear protector just at the front end where it’s dirty. Then cut off the front part of it and leave the rest intact to avoid damaging the Shimano decal.