how to CLEAN rust off - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Longhorn Man · 02-15-2011, 09:42 PM

ok guys, I haven't tried this, but the photos are enough to tell me it's worth a shot.
I know the patina look is in, and a lot of people like the light surface rust look, the sunburn look if you will. The problem with that is, even though it is 'in' today, the reality is, your sheet metal is rusting. If you leave it like that, it WILL end up pitting and doing damage to the sheet metal.
There is another patina look that is just as good, and from looking at these photos, it looks just as good to me. This Elcamino may have even had a tic too much surface rust to look good. By washing it with CLR, the surface rust is gone, the worn paint is left there, and you can clear over it, or wax it, or just roll with it as is. Personally, I think clear is a bit much, but I guess some people are going for a real shine over worn sheeetmetal? Either way... check this out. (found it on impalas.net)

Longhorn Man · 02-15-2011, 09:46 PM

And for the record... this Elcy looks awesome IMO

Alex Hayley · 02-15-2011, 10:02 PM

Very nice. I wish my rust could be removed like that. Unfortunately my rust is a bit more terminal.

sjarrett71 · 02-15-2011, 10:02 PM

I've got some under the sink. I might have to try it out. Won't hurt anything to try!

Longhorn Man · 02-15-2011, 10:07 PM

post some before and after pics. Here's what the owner of the Elcy said;

Quote:

Just use some luke warm water in a bucket, pour some CLR in like its time to mop the floor (meaning not a whole lot is needed) then use a green scotch brite pad and start scrubbing.

**Dieselwrencher** · 02-15-2011, 10:10 PM

Thanks for this informative thread! This will work great on the 37 Dodge truck I purchased for my Dad! Hopefully the rust on it comes off as nice as that Elcy!

fixit-p · 02-15-2011, 10:25 PM

Wow this is good to know for sure, thanks for sharing.

67chevy1series · 02-15-2011, 10:32 PM

i have seen this car before this a heck of a job wonderful job he also has a 63 63 wagon that is like this one

**FleetsidePaul** · 02-15-2011, 10:37 PM

That's pretty cool.

JasonBird · 02-15-2011, 10:39 PM

i wish paint would come off that easy! LOL

Stoney · 02-15-2011, 10:42 PM

Looks like new.

ChevLoRay · 02-15-2011, 11:50 PM

Same color as my '60 Impala.

Gonna try it with my chassis that I'm cleaning up before paint. Thanks for the tip.

Husker · 02-16-2011, 12:12 AM

That's pretty cool, Thanks
Ron

**special-K** · 02-16-2011, 09:49 AM

I wish it worked that well on my sink and toilet bowl stains

. Seriously,on that stuff and other materials like vinyl siding it never worked well for me. But,seeing is believing here in this application. I give a lot of credit to the scuff pad,too. I guess you could just leave it be and re-do it from time to time for the most authentic look.

***Liz*** · 02-16-2011, 10:04 AM

Josh did this a few months ago, to the hood of the 69, after reading that post you showed the pics from. It does indeed work. He has pics somewhere, which I will ask him to post. But it is essentially the same as the ones above. Cept he rattle canned flat black over it.

I will admit, I was a bit skeptical as he raided the cleaning supplies to do rust cleanup on his truck. Even went outside to see wtf he was doing.... it does work.

thread on it at impalas.net

**N2TRUX** · 02-16-2011, 10:12 AM

There are a LOT more pics on impalas.net and the HAMB showing how well it works. Its th real deal for light surface rust.

1970 Bowtie · 02-16-2011, 10:21 AM

LM,thanks for posting this it gives me some ideas on other parts it may be useful on.I used CLR to clean out the surface rust in my gas tank when I first bought my truck.Not a permenant fix but it did the job till I replaced the tank. Also special-k you have to put you hands in the T-bowl and scrub with the sotch brite pad to get rid of the stains.

steelscout · 02-16-2011, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1970 Bowtie

Also special-k you have to put you hands in the T-bowl and scrub with the sotch brite pad to get rid of the stains.

LOL, but on a serious note, I am eager to try that stuff out, thanks for the information!!!

**special-K** · 02-16-2011, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1970 Bowtie

... Also special-k you have to put you hands in the T-bowl and scrub with the sotch brite pad to get rid of the stains.

Aw may-yin!! I'll just have to live with the stains then.

Rustybaggs · 02-18-2011, 12:34 PM

WOW...I'm surprized.

I mean, I can't believe there was good paint underneath all the rust. Especially the left fender, the before and after shots are truly amazing. Initially I would have probably taken some 80 grit and sanded down to metal and prepped for painting....

But I always do things the hard way.

Thanks for the info and great pics on this. You saved critical beer time.

VA72C10 · 02-18-2011, 12:51 PM

I like it and think it looks really cool...Personally I'd just have waxed it or used a satin or flat clear over it. But it is a really unique look!

Longhorn Man · 02-18-2011, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rustybaggs

WOW...You saved critical beer time.

Isn't that what it's all about?
BTW... you just earned a quote in my signiture... that was too good!

chas350 · 02-19-2011, 11:57 AM

Holy mackerel!!!

clos69 · 02-19-2011, 04:23 PM

Here is my take...i'm a believer now....with only 15min of scrubbing

VA72C10 · 02-19-2011, 04:39 PM

hmmmm...so lime away works too....that looks super! Are you going to wax it?

02-15-2011, 09:42 PM	#1
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	how to CLEAN rust off ok guys, I haven't tried this, but the photos are enough to tell me it's worth a shot. I know the patina look is in, and a lot of people like the light surface rust look, the sunburn look if you will. The problem with that is, even though it is 'in' today, the reality is, your sheet metal is rusting. If you leave it like that, it WILL end up pitting and doing damage to the sheet metal. There is another patina look that is just as good, and from looking at these photos, it looks just as good to me. This Elcamino may have even had a tic too much surface rust to look good. By washing it with CLR, the surface rust is gone, the worn paint is left there, and you can clear over it, or wax it, or just roll with it as is. Personally, I think clear is a bit much, but I guess some people are going for a real shine over worn sheeetmetal? Either way... check this out. (found it on impalas.net) Attached Images

02-15-2011, 09:46 PM	#2
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: how to CLEAN rust off And for the record... this Elcy looks awesome IMO Attached Images

02-15-2011, 10:02 PM	#3
Alex Hayley Registered User Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: NC Posts: 987	Re: how to CLEAN rust off Very nice. I wish my rust could be removed like that. Unfortunately my rust is a bit more terminal.

02-15-2011, 10:02 PM	#4
sjarrett71 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Rolla, MO Posts: 2,463	Re: how to CLEAN rust off I've got some under the sink. I might have to try it out. Won't hurt anything to try! __________________ -Scott-

02-15-2011, 10:10 PM	#6
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,142	Re: how to CLEAN rust off Thanks for this informative thread! This will work great on the 37 Dodge truck I purchased for my Dad! Hopefully the rust on it comes off as nice as that Elcy! __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

02-15-2011, 10:32 PM	#8
67chevy1series Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: a t w a t e r cali 95301 Posts: 10,713	Re: how to CLEAN rust off i have seen this car before this a heck of a job wonderful job he also has a 63 63 wagon that is like this one

02-15-2011, 10:37 PM	#9
FleetsidePaul R.I.P. E.S.L.L. Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Kernville CA./ Lake Isabella CA. Posts: 11,418	Re: how to CLEAN rust off That's pretty cool. __________________ 1971 Custom C/20 1970 CST 20 1970 C/30 Flatbed 1983 C/30 Dually 2015 Corvette Z51 2021 Corvette Z51 1991 Cadillac Hearse 1982 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz 2000 Porsche Boxster S 2020 Jeep Gladiator 1973 VW Thing 1973 Plymouth Satellite wagon 1963 Baja Bug 1959 Bug Dune Buggy 1970 Baja Bug 1987 Jaguar XJ 350. R.I.P. El Jay R.I.P Jessie. R.I.P Grumpy. Every day is a gift from God.

02-15-2011, 10:39 PM	#10
JasonBird '67 C-10 LWB Driver Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Andover, Kansas Posts: 380	Re: how to CLEAN rust off i wish paint would come off that easy! LOL __________________ '67 C-10 LWB - My Build Thread '67 C-20 LWB - My Donor/ Parts truck - SOLD! '92 GMC SAFARI VAN - My Parts Go Getter '06 KIA SPORTAGE EX - My Commuter "All of this crap better make a truck!" - my wife Sue. Proud U.S.M.C. Dad!

02-15-2011, 10:42 PM	#11
Stoney Farm Truck Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Jersey Village, Texas Posts: 547	Re: how to CLEAN rust off Looks like new. __________________ 1969 CST/10 1984 K5 Blazer 4x4 2016 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 Mike Jersey Village, Tx

02-15-2011, 11:50 PM	#12
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: how to CLEAN rust off Same color as my '60 Impala. Gonna try it with my chassis that I'm cleaning up before paint. Thanks for the tip. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

02-16-2011, 12:12 AM	#13
Husker Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Mid NE USA Posts: 2,212	Re: how to CLEAN rust off That's pretty cool, Thanks Ron __________________ Member #111 68 C-10 Daily Driver 70 4x4 Project 76 Jeep CJ-5 Help Support the Board: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors. Thomas Jefferson

02-16-2011, 09:49 AM	#14
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: how to CLEAN rust off I wish it worked that well on my sink and toilet bowl stains . Seriously,on that stuff and other materials like vinyl siding it never worked well for me. But,seeing is believing here in this application. I give a lot of credit to the scuff pad,too. I guess you could just leave it be and re-do it from time to time for the most authentic look. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

02-16-2011, 10:04 AM	#15
*Liz* Catchy title goes here.. Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Rockwell, NC Posts: 39,767	Re: how to CLEAN rust off Josh did this a few months ago, to the hood of the 69, after reading that post you showed the pics from. It does indeed work. He has pics somewhere, which I will ask him to post. But it is essentially the same as the ones above. Cept he rattle canned flat black over it. I will admit, I was a bit skeptical as he raided the cleaning supplies to do rust cleanup on his truck. Even went outside to see wtf he was doing.... it does work. thread on it at impalas.net

02-16-2011, 10:12 AM	#16
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: how to CLEAN rust off There are a LOT more pics on impalas.net and the HAMB showing how well it works. Its th real deal for light surface rust. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

02-16-2011, 10:21 AM	#17
1970 Bowtie It's all in the timing Join Date: May 2009 Location: Lake Mary,Florida Posts: 600	Re: how to CLEAN rust off LM,thanks for posting this it gives me some ideas on other parts it may be useful on.I used CLR to clean out the surface rust in my gas tank when I first bought my truck.Not a permenant fix but it did the job till I replaced the tank. Also special-k you have to put you hands in the T-bowl and scrub with the sotch brite pad to get rid of the stains. __________________ The Dude Abides. ---------------------- I aint sayin, I'm just sayin.



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02-18-2011, 12:34 PM	#20
Rustybaggs Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Manhattan Posts: 5	Re: how to CLEAN rust off WOW...I'm surprized. I mean, I can't believe there was good paint underneath all the rust. Especially the left fender, the before and after shots are truly amazing. Initially I would have probably taken some 80 grit and sanded down to metal and prepped for painting.... But I always do things the hard way. Thanks for the info and great pics on this. You saved critical beer time.

02-18-2011, 12:51 PM	#21
VA72C10 VA72C10 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 25,267	Re: how to CLEAN rust off I like it and think it looks really cool...Personally I'd just have waxed it or used a satin or flat clear over it. But it is a really unique look! __________________ Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA.

02-19-2011, 11:57 AM	#23
chas350 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Connecticut Posts: 581	Re: how to CLEAN rust off Holy mackerel!!! __________________ "I'll Procrastinate Tomorrow" quote by LEEVON 71 K10 long fleet (sons truck) new 370hp 355, sm465 np205, 3.73's 33's 70 K20 long fleet 98 G3500 work van

02-19-2011, 04:23 PM	#24
clos69 Its Topless Season!!!! Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: fort worth, tx Posts: 1,657	Re: how to CLEAN rust off Here is my take...i'm a believer now....with only 15min of scrubbing Attached Images __________________ -Carlos- The of America *1967 SWB Custom C-10* *(Celeste)* Join the *Patina Club*

02-19-2011, 04:39 PM	#25
VA72C10 VA72C10 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 25,267	Re: how to CLEAN rust off hmmmm...so lime away works too....that looks super! Are you going to wax it? __________________ Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA.

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