I was wondering how most of you deal with rust removal on all the parts that you dont sandblast. Of all the differant ways to remove it what do you like and why.

 

Depending on the size of the part, I may use electrolysis to loosen the rust.

Electrolytic Rust Removal aka Magic

It's fairly easy to make your own "rust bucket" like the one shown in that link. I use my battery charger for the power source.

Google electrolysis rust removal for more info.

 

So Joe said, depending on the part...

I've used vinegar, molasses, wire wheels / brushes, POR pretreatment, and mild muratic acid. They all work given the proper conditions of temperature, time or dilution. What type of parts and rust condition are you facing?

 

I am getting the rust off all the brackets running boards and anything i can to repaint. I still want to soak most things.

 

Vinegar works good for me. I have done many wheels, door latches, oil pans, etc. Parts need to have all paint, oil and grease removed first though. Also don;t put any cast iron in vinegar.....it will eat it eventually.
I have also used EvapoRust, which seems to work but is $$$.

 

I have used this stuff from Home depot...it works very well.

Klean-Strip 1-gal. Phosphoric Prep and Etch-GKPA30220 at The Home Depot

 

I have used most of the products above and most all have worked but I think the most important thing is to make sure that these methods what ever you use is compatible with the paint system that you use

 

I am looking at how to save a marine steering wheel. It is a late 40's boat and am reviving this thread to see what others think about using this process on a cracked steering wheel. I have restored a Banjo steering wheel in the past however I am looking at restoring this steering wheel for an antique (late 40's) wooden boat. Construction is basically the same as our truck wheels, a carbon steel skeleton with the plastic molded to the skeleton. It is cracked quite a bit with the "exploding rust" doing the cracking. To deal with the rust in the cracks I was considering putting the wheel in a container like a plastic garbage can lid. The idea is to draw the iron oxide out of the cracks. I will need to keep a close eye on compatibility with the plastic since I do not want to soften or harm it. What do you guys think?

 

a lot of boats back then used car wheels my 59 has a car wheel don't limit your vision on this look for a clone

 

Maybe test first with another junk steering wheel?

 

Great Idea, however, I do not have one!