Post by beemerfrank on Jul 27, 2014 4:56:40 GMT -5
Hey Folks - found this on the Yahoo vintage yammie site:
Make up a solution of 2 tablespoons of oxalic acid powder to every liter of water, and stir to dissolve (oxalic acid crystals can be had from from ebay, a pharmacy, or a chemistry supply like http://www.chemistrystore.com). I was a little concerned that Oxalic acid would be really toxic, but Wikipedia indicates this is not the case - its naturally occurring in many vegetables, but its stronger acid than vinegar... This cleaning solution should only be used on chrome-plated steel parts (it will etch cad or zinc plating or aluminum parts). Use eye protection and rubber gloves when working with this solution as it is fairly acidic.
Get a glass or plastic container big enough to hold the spring and damper assembly (I used a flower vase, which fit the shock parts well). Fill the container with water so that when the spring and damper are immersed, the rod seal at the damper shaft seal is always above the level of the solution.
Soak in this solution for approximately 24 hours. The rust will be removed and will turn into a bright yellow precipitate (see fourth picture).
Remove parts from solution, remove any residue with an old toothbrush and soapy water, and final rinse in water.
For long term protection, follow up with a spray wax like Turtle Wax Express Wax Carnauba. This penetrates well and needs only light buffing.
Haven't tried it yet, but the pictures supplied with the post (before & after) were impressive.
Make up a solution of 2 tablespoons of oxalic acid powder to every liter of water, and stir to dissolve (oxalic acid crystals can be had from from ebay, a pharmacy, or a chemistry supply like http://www.chemistrystore.com). I was a little concerned that Oxalic acid would be really toxic, but Wikipedia indicates this is not the case - its naturally occurring in many vegetables, but its stronger acid than vinegar... This cleaning solution should only be used on chrome-plated steel parts (it will etch cad or zinc plating or aluminum parts). Use eye protection and rubber gloves when working with this solution as it is fairly acidic.
Get a glass or plastic container big enough to hold the spring and damper assembly (I used a flower vase, which fit the shock parts well). Fill the container with water so that when the spring and damper are immersed, the rod seal at the damper shaft seal is always above the level of the solution.
Soak in this solution for approximately 24 hours. The rust will be removed and will turn into a bright yellow precipitate (see fourth picture).
Remove parts from solution, remove any residue with an old toothbrush and soapy water, and final rinse in water.
For long term protection, follow up with a spray wax like Turtle Wax Express Wax Carnauba. This penetrates well and needs only light buffing.
Haven't tried it yet, but the pictures supplied with the post (before & after) were impressive.
