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Removing rust on Buddy L pressed steel car

Q. I'm getting a Buddy L Pressed steel '50's wrecker. Cab has minimal rust but bed not so good. I want to neutralize the rust, but keep the paint. Don't want to dip it as there are old decals on the sides. Any suggestions for a safe rust remover that doesn't harm paint? Thanks.

Oliver Williams
Retired draftsman - Davenport, Iowa
June 2, 2025

Buddy L Pressed steel wreckers on eBay (affil link)

CLR

on eBay or Amazon

(affil link)

A. Hi Oliver.

I can't speak with authority about how durable the paint on a 70 year old model car is, but paint is a lot more robust than people think -- as long as you confine yourself to acids & alkalies, avoiding anything organic like mineral spirits, turpentine, acetone, etc.

I think dabbing something like CLR on with a paper towel will be fine. Follow it by dabbing it with another paper towel dipped in a thin paste of baking soda [in bulk on eBay or Amazon [affil links] and water, then a third paper towel with just water.

Luck & Regards,

ted_yosem
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

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