Lucas Rear Motorcycle lamp, Electrolysis rust removal

[bigduke6]

Think it was in the Discussion forum but as it relates to a vehicle I've posted it here, a few were interested in the electrolysis method of getting rid of rust, the lamp is a prime example, after approx 24 hrs it cleaned up well, needs a lot of work and the lamp holder is past its sell by date, the bracket has suffered the worst, but the *** end cover is not bad, someone in the past has used solder, this has covered a good percentage so guess this saved it.

I'll make a new lamp holder and use a silver brazing rod as a filler on the bad bits of the bracket, a lot of work as a repo can be had for £14.00...... but I'm trying to use as much original stuff as I can when building up my Matchless.

The method is a very easy way to remove rust and get back to bear metal.

Tools required, plastic tub, a battery charger, a sacrificial anode (any clean mild steel will do) I've used old 6" nails I reclaimed, some water ...and soap powder.

Place items to be cleaned up in the water, attach the NEGATIVE lead to these, in the pics I've used two leads, the negative lead can be submerged but keep the POSITIVE above the water.

Place anode (scrap steel in water) some of this needs to protrude to attach the POSITIVE lead,

Sprinkle some soap powder and connect charger to mains and switch on.......

The items ,









After approx 16 hrs,



after 24 hrs






Forgot to say, I was wanting to get it sand blasted as I have a few bits to do but weather not on my side at present, will update thread when finished.

Information

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[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Great results. I did two 1909 bayonets this week end with compairable results.

[Flying10uk]

Are you able to clarify exactly what soap powder is used in the process, please? Is this what I ask for in the Supermarket?

[bigduke6]

Are you able to clarify exactly what soap powder is used in the process, please? Is this what I ask for in the Supermarket?

Just the stuff for washing clothes etc, Daz, Bold etc.

[Ajsgreenjeeps]

Are you able to clarify exactly what soap powder is used in the process, please? Is this what I ask for in the Supermarket?

It’s sodium tricarbonate you can also use sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
FYI
Also the more amps you use the faster the rust is removed! Oh Don’t worry about the metal your only changing rust. A 200 amp battery charger or even a dc stick welder works good for high amps faster rust conversion
Be careful with fumes ie hydrogen
I do it in garage with ventilation no problem though
Food for thought

I have done it with a engine using a pallet built into box and a tarp!

[Bruce_in_Oz]

For de-rusting steel and iron items, try molasses, the stuff used for stock feed and interesting cooking. You can get it in bulk from places that sell animal feed and farm requisites.

It is a SLOW process, but involves no mechanical "violence" like grit-blasting.

Caveat: DO NOT use molasses with Zinc or Aluminium parts.

Interesting to read about "Soda" baths.

I use "Washing Soda" (Sodium Carbonate) to clean cartridge brass. It should be available in the "Washing" section of your trusty supermarket. Being slightly caustic, also not recommended for Zn and Al alloys. My "refinement" is the additional use of "industrial" vinegar.

The first "bath" is in a hot and strong brew of the washing soda. This removes any residual grease and oil, and seems to "activate" the oxidized surface. Next "bath" is plain HOT water, to remove most of the soda residue.

Into a container of vinegar; watch for the colour change from "brown" to "brassy yellow".

A "running" hot fresh water rinse, and then into a second, HOT washing soda and finally a HOT rinse.

All that heat is useful because it seems to make things "go faster" and, just as importantly, DRY faster, especially if direct sunlight is not available.

Have a ferret around the websites that specialize in "traditional" household cleaning techniques; it's amazing what you can do with simple stuff, like common vinegar.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

This is what I used.
Arm & Hammer Multi-Brand - ARM & HAMMERâ„¢ Super Washing Soda Detergent Booster

[Flying10uk]

Just the stuff for washing clothes etc, Daz, Bold etc.

This is what I used.
Arm & Hammer Multi-Brand - ARM & HAMMERâ„¢ Super Washing Soda Detergent Booster

Thanks chaps, apologies for not being very domesticated.

I find with a lower out-put compressor, as many of the compressors are that are intended for DIY use are, glass beads will give much better results than aluminium oxide blast medium. Glass beads seem better at removing rust with a lower out-put compressor plus it gives a better surface finish.

[browningautorifle]

I was wanting to get it sand blasted

I think sand blasting will consume that piece.

[oldpaul]

I think sand blasting will consume that piece.

I agree. Perhaps bead or soda blast? Maybe the picture is deceiving though. Tom