How do I clean my galvinized trailer?

[BLU LUNCH]

I have a older trailer where the galvinized steel is turning chalky colored. How do I bring it back?........

 

[Mark42]

Re: How do I clean my galvinized trailer?

I know from experience that Muriatic Acid reacts with galvanize and strips it right off steel. (I once poured some in a galvanized steel bucket and it foamed up like a giant alka-seltzer and the bucket was nice and shiny inside after that).<br /><br />So, knowing full strenth it will strip galvanize off steel, maybe a very dilute solution will remove the oxidized layer and leave the good layer behind. You will have to experiment. If you try this I would suggest starting with a solution of 10:1 (water:Acid) and just dab it on a small area. Have the garden hose ready and hose it off if you see any reaction and inspect the results. And wear lots of protective clothing and EYE PROTECTION.

 

[BLU LUNCH]

Re: How do I clean my galvinized trailer?

Mark 42 Wow that sounds like some pretty stiff stuff. I saw your web-site nice job of restoring you MFG. I have a 1974 21ft Wellcraft V-20 CC Step-Hull that I plan to go though completely this winter,I will be refiring to your site for tips............

 

[Nos4r2]

Re: How do I clean my galvinized trailer?

Is it worth removing all the moving parts and getting it sandblasted and dip galvanised?

 

[Solittle]

Re: How do I clean my galvinized trailer?

Best thing for galvanized trailers is to fresh water flush after use if you dunk in salt water and then leave them alone. Putting any kind of acid might make them look "pretty" but will strip them of the galvanized coating.

 

[BLU LUNCH]

Re: How do I clean my galvinized trailer?

No acid here, I just want to get rid of the white chalky appearance.......

 

[Mark42]

Re: How do I clean my galvinized trailer?

Solittle is right about flushing with fresh water. I do wash my trailer down well after getting home. I make sure that I run the hose down the inside of the box tubing frame to wash it out on the inside as well as the outside.<br /><br />One thing that you can look into is giving the frame a "top coat" of cold galvanize from a spray can. I have seen it used and it does hold up very well. It also has the very bright shiny finish you may be looking for. A pressure washing could be an effective way of prepairing the frame for a top coat.<br /><br />Somewhere in this forum there was a discussion of cold galvanize spray cans and their effectiveness. If I recall correctly there is a big advantage of spraying the product on a warmed surface prepaired with a propane torch or heat gun. This info came right off one of the product labels. So you might want to shop around and bring your reading glasses, some of those labels have some darned fine print!<br /><br />Well thats enough of my bloviating (thank you Bill O'reilly). I'm going to go watch my wife model the bathing suits she just brought home! Woo Hoo!

 

[rwidman]

Re: How do I clean my galvinized trailer?

Originally posted by SoLittle:<br /> Best thing for galvanized trailers is to fresh water flush after use if you dunk in salt water and then leave them alone. Putting any kind of acid might make them look "pretty" but will strip them of the galvanized coating.

Exactly. The dull finish indicates that the galvanizing is doing its job. Removing it will just start another cycle of dulling.<br /><br />A galvanized trailer is not meant to be "pretty", it's meant to stand up to dunking in salt water. Anyone who wants a "pretty" salt water trailer should consider aluminum. Even that will discolor but it can be polished back to a decent shine. Personally, I'd rather be boating than polishing the trailer. <br /><br />I rinse mine after each use (and flush the brakes) and clean it with a pressure washer from time to time.<br /><br />

Is it worth removing all the moving parts and getting it sandblasted and dip galvanised?

No, the inside of the tubes cannot be sandblasted. It's just as likely that it will rust from the inside. If there's no drainage holes then it's more likely.

 

[Nos4r2]

Re: How do I clean my galvinized trailer?

Originally posted by rwidman:<br />No, the inside of the tubes cannot be sandblasted. It's just as likely that it will rust from the inside. If there's no drainage holes then it's more likely. [/QB]

Good point-but if it's dip galvanised over the top of what's already inside there without sandblasting it should give it a load more sacrificial zinc anyway shouldn't it?