Can you clean it??

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Sep 23, 2010
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Any better ideas on how to clean the salt corrosion crud off of this metal piece? Brushing works but there are a lot of crevices. Any thoughts on something like how vinegar works on a penny?

ped2.jpg

THANKS!!
 

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GT1000000

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Re: Can you clean it??

Idonthaveaclue as to what kind of chemical soak would work, sorry...:rolleyes:

Best thing that comes immediately to mind is media blasting...then depending on what it is made of and the finish you are after, you can polish and seal with clear coat or prime and paint...

If you can't find a shop that will help you out and you are in the Miami area, bring it and any other parts by and I'll be happy to give it a go...
:D
 

Bob_VT

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Re: Can you clean it??

Yep if you have a compressor go get a cheap media blaster at tractor supply, prime it with zinc chomate and paint it. It's under the seat and not really seen
 

Ophion32

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Re: Can you clean it??

If using a cheap way and using sand silca poisoning is a nasty thing
Use a p100 resprator
 
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Re: Can you clean it??

This stuff works pretty good:


I like EG but that takes a lot of time and time is money....and takes away from fishing. Found a cheapy media blaster at Harbor Fright. I'll give that a try and let you know.
 

Pmccraney

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Re: Can you clean it??

I had one that looked a lot like that and I just sprayed it with fogging oil (random, I know) and used a drill with wire brushes to get it looking brand new. I used a narrow wire brush to get down in the crevices.
 
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Re: Can you clean it??

I was thinking the same Pmccraney. I have used the brush/drill on one of them and it comes out well...the crevices are a pain in the tail so I figured a cheap media blaster might do the trick.
 

mccoytr

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Re: Can you clean it??

Not sure if it will work, but I have cleaned some chrome with ammonia. Pour some in a plastic bag 1 to 2 cups, drop part in with it, seal up bag and let sit for 24 hours. Works wonder on grill grates, oven chrome and other stuff but never tried on salt.

I have one just like it will try it tonight.
 
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Re: Can you clean it??

Update....:joyous:

I made a weak mixture of muriatic acid and water - about 5/1 - and soaked said part for about 3 to 5 minutes. It cleaned everything off of the metal. Next step will be to remove the residue and inspect then paint. I will post some pix.
 

robert graham

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Re: Can you clean it??

Update....:joyous:

I made a weak mixture of muriatic acid and water - about 5/1 - and soaked said part for about 3 to 5 minutes. It cleaned everything off of the metal. Next step will be to remove the residue and inspect then paint. I will post some pix.

My 2nd on the muriatic acid....I'd dip the aluminum piece directly into the acid, watch for the white aluminum oxides start to dissolve/foam, then use a stiff brush to remove while rinsing with fresh water....then do it again until your part is clean to your satisfaction....
 

ailurion

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Re: Can you clean it??

Just a heads up, don't use this on aluminum as it is corrosive.

Muriatic acid is just another name for hydrochloric acid.

Edit: I guess the reaction over time bad for the aluminum, but short exposures won't do much? :confused:
 
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Re: Can you clean it??

NOTE TO EVERYONE - ACID IS VERY DANGEROUS USE PROPER COVER AND INSTRUCTION

Just a heads up, don't use this on aluminum as it is corrosive.

Muriatic acid is just another name for hydrochloric acid.

Edit: I guess the reaction over time bad for the aluminum, but short exposures won't do much? :confused:

I agree with you ailurion. On aluminum like a boat or T-Top I would not suggest using Muriatic acid. The metal is too soft to being with. The part that I tried is the base piece and at best is a metal alloy of some type--I don't think it's aluminum. Regardless, the mixture is 5 or 6 to 1 and can be more so it's really diluted (you need to know how to mix it properly. I don't recommend full strength. I soaked it for about 5 minutes and it cleaned the residue like nobody's business leaving the metal in good condition. What the after effects will be I don't know so one should experiment like I did--I am not a chemist (although I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express). If there are changes or problems I will come back here and update. I cannot stress enough on the dangers of using acid. It is corrosive and will hurt you. Gloves, eye protection, long sleeves and pants are required. I use it all the time for cleaning concrete, tile, and pool maintenance so I am accustomed to handling.
 
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Re: Can you clean it??

Yeah. Thanks Dotti Chuck. Was thinking about sand or glass but hoping there was an easier home remedy. The diluted muriatic acid worked but it's a dangerous chemical and you have the worry of disposal.
 
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