How to remove rust from old auto parts ..

Steve

Steve

Just passing by ...
Staff member
As I have a set of Hedman hedders from back in the day and here they are ..

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Just to say these where under the carport and survived the fire that jumped across the yard :sick:
 
i suggest giving loctite a go found here
i've used other loctite products and they are great
 
Not sure if the Loctite Extend Rust Neutralizer will handle high heat temps from exhaust manifolds but it does have a place to use on MANY other rusted over items then paint it , like a old oil pan , valve covers etc , bring it back to looking new again :) .
 
Seems distilled white vinegar works really good so I will try it first , and it is earth and pet friendly :) .
 
@vanTorX - Might be good for all the rusted stuff pictured , but exhaust manifolds will burn that off quick in like just a few minutes .

Engine exhaust manifolds typically operate between 600°F and 1,200°F (316°C–649°C) during normal operation, though they can exceed 1,600°F under high loads or performance driving
 
As of today April 16th 2026 , I put 1 header in 2 gallons of 5 % acidic vinegar and it was only 3 hours later it was already making the rust fall off . Being 5 % it will take longer , if I had 10% acidic it would be bubbly a little . These will soak ( each header ) for 24 hours or longer . Just look at that 409 STAINLESS STEEL :bananadance::bananadance::bananadance:

I just swaped the clear flimsey tub out for a taller smaller size thicker tub that fit the headers better , more vinegar coverage WOOT .



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They are cleaning up really good , even without me doing anything . I will get pics tomorow , the outside surface is not pitted at all :D
 
My wife is out picking up dinner for us ( of course I paid :P ) and some more vinegar , I am sold on this method of removing rust from many objects , and it is pet and earth friendly :)


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WOW, at first I thought your skills at cleaning it were a little rusty, but man now I can see that it IS the way, I mean, it looks almost new.
 
Glenn said:
WOW, at first I thought your skills at cleaning it were a little rusty, but man now I can see that it IS the way, I mean, it looks almost new.
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Yea , I did not know that just 5% vinegar would do such a great job , also these have been sitting in a tub for like maybe 4 days , I know of 3 . This was like the easiest solution to all the high priced rust remover spray or paste solutions . And I was told these are not stainless steel , if not what on earth is this metal make up , as these are not pitted at all , what you see is what all of it looks like , just odd metal as mild steel would have some sort of small pitting inside the tubes , even aluminum over mild steel would do the same , what is it is a mystery ?
 
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