Bill Greenwood wrote:
Home and hardware stores sell a rust remover, sort of a jellied acid. I've not tried it. First if you have acess to a electric rotary wire brush wheel I'd just buff off as much as you can, with Safety Glasses, then try the jelly. Make sure to rinse and dry it good before the Rustoleum or other primer and epoxy paint.
I agree with Bill on this one,
The rust remover jelly I think he is referring to is called Naval Jelly. The last time I used it is a thick, pinkish jelly which can burn the C@@P out of your skin if you don't take precautions such as gloves and other. Think of it like a REAL nasty paint stripper for removing rust.
AND DO NOT TRY TO WIRE BRUSH THIS STUFF WHILE IT IS APPLIED TO THE PART, because all that will do is fling it all around the place. It is mostly used, at least what I've used it for anyway, is rust stain remover out of porcelain.
But, may I make a suggestion ?
IF, you have access to a sandblaster or glass bead blaster, I believe you would be better served to use something like that for several reasons. First, this will likely (?) never see the tail end of an aircraft again, let alone have to make arresting wire traps again. Second, the blasting process itself will remove any obvious corrosion/rust issues you see, right down into the pitting, however much there may be of it. After blasting, air blow the dust off and then wipe it down with a good solvent that will not "wick" water to the metal surface. Acetone or MEK...either IF you can find is probably best. Then all you have to do is spray on a good top coat or two of primer or Rustoleum and repaint it to fit your needs and color spec's.
For the most part, you can buy Naval Jelly, Acetone, or even MEK in small amount at say an ACE Hardware store. But since the EPA has really cracked down on these solvents you may have to look around alot to find it.
Sound like a plan ?
Just my 2 cents worth
Paul