Preserving Patina - How To Tips and Tricks

[wngrog]

@wngrog are you still using the same rust converter that you linked on the first page of this thread?

Trying to line up all the products to get this thing cleaned up.

I do. I don’t use it near painted surfaces any more because it creeps under and discolors the paint. I use it on straight steel

 

[pb4ugo]

WD40 is a decent penetrant though right? Would it make any sense to spray the whole freaking thing with WD or even the cheap walmart lubricant version of it before you wash it, just to penetrate the dirt/rust/corrosion/oxidation and help "lift" it all away? Then the usual soap cannon, pressure wash, and then hand wash?

Ive been using a fair amount of the walmart "lubricant" on my 40 as Ive been bringing it back to life, and Ive thought about literally just spraying the entire exterior down with it. As others have said, its pretty thin, (the generic walmart version is even thinner I think) so its not hard to wash away.

To be clear, this is not for any sort of protection or rust prevention, but for the initial cleaning.

WD40 isn't a penetrant. By name it stands for Water Displacement formula # 40. So it's for water Displacement and lubrication. It doesn't do anything to free rusty stuff.

 

[nano]

Is fluid film recommended for the interior? I am worried about using that and leaving residue or odor that leaves the interior surfaces sticky or oily. Is there another recommendation?

 

[wngrog]

If you don’t like the smell use WoolWax.

As for interior, what are you trying to do? I use it to wipe down the interior but I won’t spray it on heavy and let it sit like I do the underside.

 

[nano]

If you don’t like the smell use WoolWax.

As for interior, what are you trying to do? I use it to wipe down the interior but I won’t spray it on heavy and let it sit like I do the underside.

Thanks- I just got a '76 and am looking to clean out the interior and stop some surface rust from spreading. I can try to load some photos a bit later when I have the chance.

 

[wngrog]

It’s better than rust converter. That stuff will creep under the paint and discolor.

 

[nano]

Here is what I am working with:
- worst: bubbles near the rear lights, and inside rear lower corners of hard top.
- mid: rear sill - some significant areas, but still seems solid
- surface: interior of tub floor.

I am hoping to preserve this rig as is, prevent further degradation, and take it back as much as possible to stock. Any input for how to proceed would be much appreciated!

I am fortunate that much of the paint is still there and good, and planning to try to restore with a clr wash in rough areas, but otherwise a wash and polish.

 

[nano]

Here are a few of the full rig:

 

[charliemeyer007]

Wow stereo spare tire carriers

 

[BILT4ME]

Here are a few of the full rig:View attachment 4224687View attachment 4224688

View attachment 4224689

With Per-Lux 200T fog lights from a mid-eighties Kenworth.

 

[rainingagain]

Wow stereo spare tire carriers

I don't know if I have ever seen this before...

 

[charliemeyer007]

Deep Mountains or Desert travel works better with 2 spares, a plug kit and pump.

When I make my step side trailer/camper it will have a mounted spare plus gasoline and water.