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.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

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

[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

[bigduke6]

I'll be using aluminium oxide...... just to clean it up and then fill the bad bits on the bracket with silver brazing rod and make good, the lamp holder is shot will make a new one the cover is not too bad.

[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.

[Brit plumber]

I think I sold my last MCT1 a few years back to help fund the jeep. I bought a NOS one off ebay about 10 years ago and the seller got in touch and said he had a whole bucket full of them and did I want them all. I ended up with about 20 NOS in the box MCT1s, I kept a few for my WD/C and WD/CO, sold about 5 to South Africa and then sold the rest on ebay. I never realised how desperate people were for them and how much they'd pay!