Cleaning Up Bolts and Fittings

Discussion in 'Technical' started by Maverick Dude, Jul 1, 2022.

  1. Maverick Dude

    Maverick Dude Member

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    I dropped the front valance on my 73 LDO and ended up with 10 rusted and greasy bolts and accompanying fittings. I couldn’t bring myself to re-use them without at least some type of cleanup. I soaked them in a plastic disposable glass in 10% vinegar, the kind Home Depot sells for cleaning purposes. They soaked overnight and then I gave them a shot of WD40. I’m satisfied with the result but what else works well out there? By the way, the bolts require a 7/16 “ wrench and the two bolt heads furthest to the front have very little room around the head. I was able to fit a small Craftsman11 mm “ ignition type” wrench. They needed a good soak in Liquid Wrench to get them to turn after 49 years. :yup:

    EABDB802-32D3-4465-AE59-A1ABB8DFA4C1.jpeg 2793577B-AD0D-4CB8-8F7C-B7F66E49120D.jpeg
     
    Last edited: Jul 2, 2022
    Maverick Dude, Jul 1, 2022
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  2. 71gold

    71gold Frank Cooper Supporting Member

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    when I go junk yarding, I save all the bolts and clips that I take off to remove what ever part I am sourcing. I have probably 10lbs. of extra bolts, washer and clips in a plastic tub.
     
    71gold, Jul 1, 2022
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  3. jasonwthompson

    jasonwthompson Member

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    Depending upon the amount of rust, I may soak something in 100% white vinegar for 3-4 days. It is a good rust neutralizer but mediocre grease/grime solvent.
     
    jasonwthompson, Jul 1, 2022
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  4. TeeEl

    TeeEl Member

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    You can also buy those bolts and clips new at Ace Hardware or Fastenal. Sometimes, it isn't worth the time and effort to clean the old ones...
     
    TeeEl, Jul 2, 2022
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  5. RMiller

    RMiller My name is Rick

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    Get a tumbler from harbor freight. Throw them in with an abrasive and let them go for a while.
     
    RMiller, Jul 2, 2022
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  6. Acornridgeman

    Acornridgeman MCCI Wisconsin State Rep Moderator Supporting Member

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    I tumbled many over the years to clean them up. If they needed color touchup - a good flat black works well or if they should be silver or yellow cadmium, Eastwood makes some great products. If doing a show car - AMK sells kits to replace everything with new, correctly marked and colored bolts and screws. It is totally worth the cost for new bolts if doing a really good car.

    Example of AMK kit

    s-l1600 (1).jpg
     
    Acornridgeman, Jul 7, 2022
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  7. Charlie57

    Charlie57 Member

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    A wire wheel on a bench grinder is hands down the fastest way. I have used different solvents and seen the tumblers in action. The wire wheel is the only way I clean. You're not going to be able to clean the inside of the clips and you must be careful because the wheel will pull the parts out of your hand.
    Charlie
     
    Charlie57, Jul 8, 2022
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  8. TeeEl

    TeeEl Member

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    The drawback is that it removes the plating as well as the dirt, which makes them more prone to rust...
     
    TeeEl, Jul 8, 2022
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  9. Krazy Comet

    Krazy Comet Tom

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    For ones that are painted, I toss 'em in the sandblast cabinet.

    If they were natural there's cast iron, stainless steel & other metallic paints.
     
    Krazy Comet, Jul 8, 2022
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