How to Remove Rust?

binmke · Posted: May 9, 2005, 2:32 pm Post subject: How to Remove Rust?

Hi everyone,

I am now the proud owner of a 1981 XS650SH that runs fine but is in need of some TLC. PO had it sitting in a garage for years.

I have been able to get a lot of the oxidization off the aluminum case covers using some fine-grit wet/dry sandpaper and buffing with polishing compound. The rust spots on the chrome (fenders and header pipes) is a whole different ballgame.

If anyone has some recommendations on how to get the rust out of the chrome parts I would love to hear them.

I posted some pictures on Flickr if you want to have a look.

Thanks

650rider · WebMaster Joined: Feb 09, 2005 Posts: 431

Welcome to the board and congratulations on the new bike.

I use a really fine steel wool with some brass-o cleaner. It's old school but it works. The trick is keeping it from comming back.

mo650chopper · Posted: May 9, 2005, 8:25 pm Post subject: Re: How to Remove Rust?

I found that a "Citrus Pre Moistened Hand Cleaning Towels" Work awesome on cleaning off the rust. I get them through work but I'm sure Wally World has something simular. I follow it up with a good scrubbing with a pumice type hand cleaning soap. From your pics yours looks like mine did when I got it after the previous owner parked it in his garage 18 years ago until I revived it.

kibokojoe · Posted: May 26, 2005, 8:32 am Post subject: Re: How to Remove Rust?

Electrolysis works well on chrome parts.

excesses · Posted: August 2, 2005, 3:47 am Post subject: Re: How to Remove Rust?

Don't know if you can get it in the US, but I have used a product called "Never Dull" for years - well since the early 70's. It comes wadded in a blue can and a little bit goes a long way...

brinkdw · Posted: November 6, 2006, 11:55 am Post subject: Re: How to Remove Rust?

Brass wool with WD40 works pretty good. Brass wool versus steel wool doesn't scratch as much.

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