[DeTomaso] Rust Removal

[F&D Terry]

Stephen,

I use electrolysis for removing rust and am pleased with the results. 
There is no limit to the size of the container used to submerse a rusted 
item. You could use a large plastic trash can or any container of your 
choice. I use a discarded 50 gal. plastic antifreeze drum and suspend 
two expanded metal anodes bent to conform to the inside of the 
container. I have always wondered if a steel 50 gal. trash can or oil 
drum would serve as both an anode and container. I place a 1/2" 
stainless bar across the top, from which I use coat hanger wire to 
suspend rusted parts.

It is not necessary to construct a power supply since a cheapo battery 
charger will supply 6 to 10 amps at 12 volts. This seems to be adequate 
current but removing heavy rust takes a few days. A black deposit 
remains after the rust has gone and this can easily be removed with a 
small wire brush. I use my glass beader to remove the deposit along with 
any remaining rust. To only bead blast takes a very long time on a 
heavily rusted surface so I strip the rust with electrolysis first.

Sodium Carbonate is the chemical used and should not be confused with 
Sodium Bicarbonate. It was once available as washing soda but has 
disappeared from many store shelves. It can be found in large quantities 
at swimming pool supply stores.

I have tried Evapo-Rust but was not impressed by its ability to remove 
heavy rust. At $19 and above per gallon the electrolysis method is much 
cheaper considering Evapo-Rust and other comparable products have a 
limited life.

I had my '54 Corvette frame stripped by a local Redi Strip shop and have 
tried unsuccessfully to find what chemicals they use. They do en 
excellent job.

Fred T.

SEL wrote:

>does any one use electrolysis for rust removal? can you share your experiences with us please?
>
>http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/andyspatch/rust.htm
>
>separately, for bigger items that can't be put in a bucket, has anyone evertried either of these?
>
>http://www.safestrustremover.com/
>
>http://www.rustbeeter.com/index.html
>
>http://www.picklex.com/
>
>or
>
>http://www.orisonmarketing.com/products/products.html#corrosion
>
>
>if you do, can you also relate your experiences - and perhaps tricks and tips for how to best apply
>
>many thanks - stephen
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