Cleaning up rusty bolts?

[oldskool.andy]

Hi All,

New to the forum and need a bit of help getting my 91 GT looking a little better... it has been stored for a fair few years and most of the bolts/fixings are looking old and rusty.

Can I use something like krust to get rid of the rust or is that a big no no?

The other option is to replace with new bolts/fixings etc?

Any help would be great!

Andy

 

[Retroms68]

Re:

Hi Andy.

I personally dont bother faffing with all the chemical rubbish.
A wire brush , some patience and Autosol on a rag will do the trick with all but the worst rust. You will be surprised !
You can hold the bolt or screw in a cordless drill on a medium speed to help with the polishing.

Good luck
Mike

 

[Rampage]

Easier just to replace the bolts.

 

[xerxes]

Re:

Easier just to replace the bolts.

Yes, plenty of decent stainless bolts available on Ebay that will stay looking smart and rust free for years: http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Bolt-Base?_trk ... 7675.l2563

 

[twain]

agreed. find the size you need then go stainless! (or Ti if you're a weenie )
only time i would ever go to the lengths of polishing up a bolt/nut, is if its a resto and original specific bolt/nut is not readily available/replaceable.

 

[Retroms68]

Re:

Agreed. It is easier to go and buy new bolts. Im just one of those people that hates things being wasted. I dont throw something away because it needs a clean up.

 

[Rampage]

Re:

If they are the chrome plated bolts that bikes used to use then there's not a lot you can do.

 

[Tc]

Oxalic acid

 

[FluffyChicken]

Re:

Hydrofluoric acid mixed with phosphoric acid and a few drops of surfactant maybe.

You can asses the risk.

Recycle them and buy some new ones if generic in shape though, it's probably cheap in the long run.

 

[just jacques]

Re:

Cillit Bang lime & grime removes rust easily, Barry Scott is my hero :shock: .