I have had good luck so far dipping parts, bolts, motor perches, brackets and such in muratic acid. I then wash it good and paint with POR-15 or prime and paint with rattle can. Muratic acid is about 2.50 a gallon. Do any of the body men in this forum use this method to get rid of rust? I just did my rusty front springs and man they sure look great natural steel. I am considering doing my hood hinges and brake drums. Any comments?

[This message has been edited by jmhardin (edited 08-21-2002).]

I used to use it to clean out motorcycle fuel tanks. I don't see any harm in using it as long as you flush it with water/baking soda mix, followed by a water rinse. Just be careful with that stuff.

I did it in the past, but have stopped. The problem is that some of the acid might remain even after neutralizing it with the baking soda mix. Then rust seems to start right away. This is even more so with the hinges where the rivets are located. Any of the original rust proofing is removed and you can't get the primer/paint in all of the recesses. That is also why most body shops don't like the body dipping process. After the car is painted, the remaining chemicals and leach out of the recesses and cause the paint to lift.

I have switched to sand blasting only.

------------------
Brian TC#1092, ACES#4374
---------------------------------------------------------
1965 El Camino (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/65elcamino1b.jpg) Before Restoration (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/65elcamino1a.jpg)
1981 Corvette (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/65elcamino81.jpg)

I have used it on smaller parts to remove heavy rust. The problem is, as stated earlier, is that rust starts right away. To combat this, I either do a quick blast in the cabinet or I have used this trick. When you take the part out of the acid, wash imediately with water. Then before it gets a chance to rust, spray on a metal prep. Let soak as per instructions, Then rinse with clean water again. This process will give you enough time to get primer on the part before rusting occurs.
Gordon VM
Restoration Motorsports http://groups.msn.com/Restorationphotos/shoebox.msnw?Page=1