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  • racer_ace

    Oct. 9, 2008 8:14 p.m. racer_ace New Reader

    Any advice on freshening up rusty old caliper brackets? I need to replace my rear calipers and don't want to mount up the clean new units to nasty looking brackets.

    Thanks for your insight!

    -Ray

  • thatsnowinnebago

    Oct. 9, 2008 8:33 p.m. thatsnowinnebago Reader

    How much rust? Surface rust or super, pitted rusty? Steel wool or wire brush. Then you can paint them any color you like with caliper paint.

  • mikeatrpi

    Oct. 9, 2008 9:23 p.m. mikeatrpi New Reader

    I wirebrushed, sandblasted, and soaked mine in Ospho for a day. Then I painted them with BBQ grill paint and baked them (in a bbq grill) to set the paint.

    You could also try leaving them in vinegar for a week or two. Or maybe if you have less time, electrolytic rust removal works well but can be a pain to set up.

  • Tommy Suddard

    Oct. 9, 2008 9:31 p.m. Tommy Suddard

    I sandblasted, then painted with high-heat paint.

  • shuttlepilot

    Oct. 9, 2008 9:33 p.m. shuttlepilot New Reader

    sandblasting is the best if you have access to such equipment. Otherwise, whack the piece with a hammer. Preferably a pointy one. The layers of rust will crack off and it won't look so crusty anymore.

  • kcbhiw

    Oct. 9, 2008 9:53 p.m. kcbhiw Reader

    I've had pretty good success using a wire wheel attached to a drill. It makes quick work of the rust. Afterwards, I wipe it down with a bit of solvent or brake cleaner then a few coats of grill paint.

  • gamby

    Oct. 9, 2008 9:56 p.m. gamby SuperDork

    I brass brush and some WD40 tends to work wonders on a lot of rusty surfaces.

    I freshened up an early 70's road bike (bicycle) that way.

  • m4ff3w

    Oct. 9, 2008 10:33 p.m. m4ff3w Dork

    bakingsoda blaster?

  • problemaddict

    Oct. 10, 2008 3:19 a.m. problemaddict New Reader

    Electrolytic rust removal works pretty good if you've got time and no sandblaster... All you need is a bucket, water, 'washing soda', and a battery charger.

    http://www.instructables.com/id/Electrolytic-Rust-Removal-aka-Magic/

  • VanillaSky

    Oct. 10, 2008 4:09 a.m. VanillaSky New Reader

    I'll also vouch for the electrolytic derusting process. It hasn't failed me yet. Kills rust, but leaves behind clean metal.

  • foxtrapper

    Oct. 10, 2008 4:36 a.m. foxtrapper SuperDork

    A vinegar soak.

  • neon4891

    Oct. 10, 2008 10:42 a.m. neon4891 Dork

    would electrol... work on a slightly rusty, yet thick brake rotor?

    Edit. i read the entire thing and i dont think it would be a good idea

 
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