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Birdcage *surface* rust?

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Old Jun 17, 2009 | 10:49 PM
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Default Birdcage *surface* rust?

The birdcage on my car is in great shape with only some light orange in spots. Can it be cleaned up while having a reasonable certainty of it being stopped, and, if so, how?
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Old Jun 17, 2009 | 11:07 PM
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A light brushing with POR-15 followed by a water rinse and drying should do it:
http://www.por15.com/whatispor15.asp Just protect surrounding surfaces...
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Old Jun 18, 2009 | 07:19 AM
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Sand it and ospho it or Advance also sells a product like ospho in an aeroaol spray that turns rust into primer through chemical magic. It seems to have worked good on places I've used it for surface rust.
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Old Jun 18, 2009 | 08:45 AM
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Ospho is the way to go. It chemically converts rust oxide to some other oxide. The POR products only block the air from getting to it. If it's not sealed, moisture well leach back in and start it back up. Ace hardware carries Ospho. Put it in a spray bottle, soak it down, and be sure to let it dry. All of the rust will turn black. I've used this stuff for years on really rusty frames, and steel bodied cars. It won't come back. Mike Coletta
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Old Jun 18, 2009 | 09:08 AM
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Well I will certainly rely on Mike's recommendation...although I had good luck over the years with POR-15 on my '60s Mustang frames (which are notorious for rusting).

But I was always extra careful about re-priming them after treatment and then applying a good top coat of quality paint.
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Old Jun 18, 2009 | 12:43 PM
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Thanks. Ospho sounds like a good route to take considering I have to get it inside some hard to reach spots. I've been using Eastwood rust converter and chassis black on small parts.
I wish I knew someone in Northern California who could dip and coat the frame.
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Old Jun 18, 2009 | 07:16 PM
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After 40 something years and being in a California climate I wouldn't do anything too drastic if it is just surface rust. From a cosmetic standpoint, you may want to clean it up, but given the limited duty the car will see compared to the first 40 years, it probably is going to last at least another 40.
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Old Jun 19, 2009 | 12:14 AM
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Originally Posted by 64 daytona blue
After 40 something years and being in a California climate I wouldn't do anything too drastic if it is just surface rust. From a cosmetic standpoint, you may want to clean it up, but given the limited duty the car will see compared to the first 40 years, it probably is going to last at least another 40.
Thanks. I had a similar notion but would like to clean it up some. I won't go about it .
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Old Jun 19, 2009 | 06:13 AM
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Originally Posted by Canute
Thanks. Ospho sounds like a good route to take considering I have to get it inside some hard to reach spots. I've been using Eastwood rust converter and chassis black on small parts.
I wish I knew someone in Northern California who could dip and coat the frame.
I'm not make any claims here on what ospho will do to other materials but I had it an Ferbreeze bottle once and sprayed my headliner in my truck by mistake (I guess this should be in the dumb garage move thread) It only left slight traces on it and didn't eat it up FYI. I have used that stuff for years. Brush, spray whatever works. Wire brush what you can off 1st.
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Old Jun 19, 2009 | 11:50 PM
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Only found a similar product at Ace, Jasco Prep & Prime. Nice and cheap.
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Old Jun 20, 2009 | 12:49 PM
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Default birdcage

Originally Posted by Canute
The birdcage on my car is in great shape with only some light orange in spots. Can it be cleaned up while having a reasonable certainty of it being stopped, and, if so, how?
Could you possibly post a photo of your birdcage. Just for my education.
Thanks,
Tom Pugel
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Old Jun 20, 2009 | 02:29 PM
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Originally Posted by tmpugel
Could you possibly post a photo of your birdcage. Just for my education.
Thanks,
Tom Pugel
Please do... I'd like to see it as well.
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Old Jun 20, 2009 | 02:51 PM
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Here's one. The interior is the best, of course. Underneath the car is my area of greatest concern, particularly the area above the splash guards. This would seem to be the second major area to check besides inside the dash. I can take a few more.
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Old Jun 20, 2009 | 05:43 PM
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Just ahead of the passenger's door. A little concerned about the paint that has fallen off. Is there a way I can effectively get in there and clean this out?


Just behind the battery:




Looking at these pictures I'm less concerned than I was.

Since I'm rebuilding the control arms I'm making a modest attempt at sealing the kickups with Jasco and Eastwood Chassis Black.


Last edited by Canute; Jun 20, 2009 at 06:02 PM.
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