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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 WilliamsRetired draftsman - Davenport, Iowa
June 2, 2025
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
eBay
or
Amazon [affil link]
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 link]
and water, then a third paper towel with just water.
Luck & Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
A. Try ammonium citrate - pH 3,5 ,5% solution (50 gms citric acid ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil link] / 1 lit water/add some ammonia ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil link] to correct pH to 3,5). Rust can be neutralized with 2% tannic acid ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil link] / 15 ml phosphoric acid ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil link] mix. Hope it helps and good luck!
Goran Budija- Cerovski vrh Croatia
June 22, 2025
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Ted Mooney is retiring but I have several offers to take it over.
We're working hard to make sure we find it the best new home.