I have a rebulit 390 with very low miles. My thermostat stuck right after I got it and blew a head gasket. I replaced the head gasket and continued to drive it. I recently got rid of my truck, but pulled the engine to sell. I removed the heads so a potential buyer could inspect the heads and bottom end. I was wondering if anyone knows the best way to remove the surface rust on the cylinder wall with the blown head gasket. Any help would be appreciated.

 

assuming that it is just a thin coat of surface rust, you could brobably try a MILD dose of steel wool. just take it easy, you don't want to scar the cylider. or you may want to try a cylinder hone. just put the piston at BDC and go to work. but be carefull not to do it too long. you don't want to wear the cylinder too much.
P.S. brake parts cleaner takes rust off pretty well, (mix a little bit of elbow grease with it and it will do wonders)

 

A fine Scotchbrite pad with WD40 works real well also, and leaves very little residue that wipes right out.

 

I would advise WD-40.... that stuff is great. Use it with Ultra-fine (0000 grade) steel wool, and it'll clean right up w/out scratching the cyl.s
Have fun......

J/.c