> What if there's no rust on the metal parts but just grime and dull color? How should I clean these parts?

Same, same. Soapy water, wipe with a sponge or soft cloth followed by some quality metal polish.

John

I do this all the time and it works great! Try it , you will be glad you did.:D BTW, here it what I soak my hoops and the bigger parts in. I can get 16" hoops in the bigger one.

For fasteners that were really bad, Ive soaked them in naval jelly, then rinsed with clean water. Dont get this stuff on your hands, it will burn.

[IMG]http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu169/ThePloughman/Rogers%20Drums/Rogers%201967%20Steel%20Gray%20Ripple%20Pearl/IMG_4898.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu169/ThePloughman/Rogers%20Drums/Rogers%201967%20Steel%20Gray%20Ripple%20Pearl/IMG_4891.jpg[/IMG]

I've had very good results for T-rods and washers (like these) using white vinegar. Soak for a day or two even. Very cheap method.

okay final question. Do I need to/or should I treat the metal with something to avoid further rust after I clean it?

Yes.

That hard wax treatment will seal the metal and reduce the chance of corrosion in the future.

Even fresh re-chromed parts benefit. I was told this from a chrome shop doing triple plating (Copper, Nickel, Chromium) on some bits for my long-gone '67 Belvedere.

Which hard wax should I get?

There has to be a better way to clean parts before reassembly than using brake cleaner, carb cleaner and citrus degreaser. Even the parts I have as spares and replacements should be cleaned so that it is ready to go when I need or even sell it.This is a hobby, this is the way to enjoy it. I just don't want to store a bunch of oily parts and make the garage look like a junk yard. Some neatness is in order.

I have been thinking about the dish washer. It has all of those prongs sticking up that would be perfect for hanging lugs on. Plus you see steam coming out of the vents during the wash cycle, so that’s some darn hot water. I think I will sneak a dirty lug in there tonight and see how good it works. This would be for removing dirt and grime only. Rust would need a different treatment such as the evap-o-rust. But most of the time the lugs are pretty much rust free, at least that’s my experience.

Jeff C

See post #7...