dsacton
Contributor
Posts: 382
Loc: Boulder, CO
Reg: 11-01-11
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05-19-12 08:47 PM - Post#2227708
Hi Folks,
I am putting the front end of my 54 Bel Air back together. The back-side of the front grill is just covered with rust. I mean, it is really bad. No one will ever see it, but I just can't bring myself to put that chrome and stainless back on the car with all of that nasty rust behind it.
My usual way of dealing with rust is to just soak the parts in muriatic acid (dilute hydrochloric acid). But I have never tried it with chrome and stainless steel parts.
Does anyone know what will happen to the chrome/Stainless parts if I get HCl on them?
Thanks
Scott A.
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NWMO 52 Chevy
Contributor
Posts: 575
Loc: Northwest Missouri
Reg: 11-10-10
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05-19-12 09:01 PM - Post#2227714
In response to dsacton
I can't say for sure, because I've not seen it tried, BUT, I would bet dollars to donuts that you WOULD NOT be happy with the results.
Chris
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 rrausch
"12th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 9705
Loc: L.A, Cal. & St. Louis...
Reg: 04-07-03
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05-19-12 09:31 PM - Post#2227726
In response to NWMO 52 Chevy
Ditto. If it were me, I'd try wire-brushing the loose rust off and then treating the rust with this stuff, and then prime it with Rustoleum Rusty Metal primer and top coat it in satin black.
1953 210 Convertible, 261 with dual Carter YF 966S carbs, P.S., Remote Bendix P.B. Booster... shade-tree restoration about done.
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whiskey1954
Contributor
Posts: 441
Loc: central north carolina
Reg: 12-07-08
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05-20-12 04:35 AM - Post#2227756
In response to rrausch
I have taken 000 alt steel wool and naval jelly and just coated my chrome wheels put the jelly on kind of thick and let it set about every 10-15 minutes hit it with the steel wool and then put another coat of jelly and repeat the process until you get what you want did not hurt the existing chrome wash with water and wala brought back a set of chrome wheels like this and was very surprised at the result
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2blu52
"12th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 13069
Age: 79
Loc: Montana
Reg: 03-12-02
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05-20-12 06:01 AM - Post#2227781
In response to dsacton
Brush it first, then try a small patch with Vinegar and let it soak. I recently cleaned up a badly rusted bumper jack with vinegar. Worked well and it is not real harsh. When I had the radiator out of the 52 I filled the block with a 50 50 mix of water and vinegar and let it sit for a week while the radiator was gone, flushed with cold water and cannot believe the stuff that came out of there. 
"PEACE IS THAT GLORIUS MOMENT IN HISTORY WHEN EVERY ONE STANDS AROUND RELOADING"
THOMAS JEFFERSON |
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dsacton
Contributor
Posts: 382
Loc: Boulder, CO
Reg: 11-01-11
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05-20-12 07:35 AM - Post#2227811
In response to 2blu52
Thanks, guys. You've given me some good things to try. I just remembered that I have a damaged piece of stainless. I think I'll see what the HCL does as an experiment. I like the Naval Jelly idea, because there is very little chance of it running around to the front side of the parts. I'll let you know how it goes!
Scott A.
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whiskey1954
Contributor
Posts: 441
Loc: central north carolina
Reg: 12-07-08
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05-20-12 07:47 AM - Post#2227817
In response to dsacton
Scott I have done the naval jelly lots over the years and it does not affect good chrome as it attacks the rust you may lightly brush with the steel wool as the 000 is not very abrasive and use it between each coat of jelly the jelly that i use is pink in color and I found mine at Ace Hardware
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 53belair
"2nd Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 825
Age: 57
Loc: Ellerslie, Georgia
Reg: 03-25-07
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05-20-12 12:23 PM - Post#2227887
In response to dsacton
Since rust converter (like the rustoleum variety and others similar to it) spray dries clear (everywhere except rust which turns black) I'd shoot it on the backside to seal the metal, then coat that with the paint of your choice (I used silver).
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dsacton
Contributor
Posts: 382
Loc: Boulder, CO
Reg: 11-01-11
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05-20-12 05:12 PM - Post#2227985
In response to 53belair
Hi Guys,
I did an experiment on a spare piece of the front grill that I have. I put one end in a pan of muriatic (HCL) acid for 10 minutes. It totally removed the rust on the back side, but turned the chrome to a dull gray. HCL is definitely out!
Next, I tried the naval jelly, applied directly to the chrome. After 10 minutes, I could see where the jelly was applied, but it was still shiny--no dull gray. My conclusion is that careful use of naval jelly should be OK.
However, I opted to use the wire brush approach--a circular brush in my angle grinder. After removing all of the rust I could, I used the rust converter. Tomorrow, I'll prime and paint it.
I DID use HCl on some of the smaller metalic parts that I could remove (no chrome). It, of course, removed all of the rust.
Thanks to all of your for your advice.
Scott A.
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dpurdy
"2nd Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 118
Loc: Mission B C Canada
Reg: 12-30-06
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05-20-12 05:21 PM - Post#2227988
In response to dsacton
Rather than HCl, consider using a treatment such as Rust Mort. It is a phosphoric based conversion treatment that will oxidize the rust and render it inert. Google for more info. I used this product for areas on my Jag. Followed with primer and top coat. 20 years layer, no problem-0
Dave
'52 Chev Deluxe Sport Coupe
'69 MGB Tourer
'69 Jaguar E-Type Coupe
'94 Chev K1500 daily driver
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