simple question??

[BarryK]

ok, i was starting to clean up and detail the engine compartment over the weekend which was filthy with sanding dust, etc from the paint shop.

I noticed that one piece, not sure of the proper name of it......it's the big angled piece that screws into the intake manifold and the big hose from the radiator attaches to it....... well, that piece had a bunch of surface rust on it that it never had before. Also, the main body of my brake master cylinder? has surface rust on it now also (manual brakes).

What's the best way to clean up these pieces and remove the rust and make them look good again.

please don't make fun.......you guys know I don't work on my own car so I don't know the names of all the parts under the hood and I already feel stupid having to phrase this question the way I did.

 

[Subfixer]

Barry, The large piece the radiator hose connects to is the Thermostat housing. It is cast iron. It was originally sprayed silver at the factory on 350/365 hp cars. Take it off and hit it with a wire brush or wheel and repaint it. Use a new gasket when replacing.

As far as the Master cylinder goes, you could probably use a small wire brush on that also. I think it was painted (mine is) semi gloss/semi flat black. Clean it all up using laquer thinner or acetone, mask off the area and hit it with a spray can.

 

[BarryK]

thank Paul!
I did not realize that housing was actually painted - it looked natural to me. What type of paint would you recommend? just a normal silver gloss or semi gloss from rustoleum?

I kind of hestitate spraying the master cylinder - I'd most likely get the paint overspray everywhere no mater how much I try to mask off but after I get my car back I'll clean it as you suggest and look it over and determine the "risk" of spraying that. I would like it to look better than it does now.

 

[vintagecorvette]

Barry,

Steel wool is also really nice for cleaning parts. Available at any hardware store. I use the super fine stuff.

oWEN

 

[BarryK]

thanks owen. good idea. I used to keep that around the house for various stuff but haven't in a while. guess it's time to get more.

 

[65panhead]

Barry, I just cleaned and painted my m/cylinder last week, like you I didn't want to mask and spray so I used a good brush and semi paint, turned out great and looks good..just a thought.

 

[1KULC7]

Barry,

I highly recommend you PRIME it first, then paint it. You will find the primer will seal it and it won't rust ast fast. I use and highly recommend the SEM Self Etching Primer, and if you go with the Silver paint, the CORRECT paint is made by SEYMOUR #16055, and its known at the Non Smudge Aluminum Paint.

The key is to make sure you get ALL the rust off including in the bolt holes.

The SEM paint is purchased at and body supply shop, your painter would use it.

The SEMOUR #16055 is very common and can be found in auto supply stores.

This is the correct way....

 

[Tripleblack51]

ok, i was starting to clean up and detail the engine compartment over the weekend which was filthy with sanding dust, etc from the paint shop.

I noticed that one piece, not sure of the proper name of it......it's the big angled piece that screws into the intake manifold and the big hose from the radiator attaches to it....... well, that piece had a bunch of surface rust on it that it never had before. Also, the main body of my brake master cylinder? has surface rust on it now also (manual brakes).

What's the best way to clean up these pieces and remove the rust and make them look good again.

please don't make fun.......you guys know I don't work on my own car so I don't know the names of all the parts under the hood and I already feel stupid having to phrase this question the way I did.

Barry,
I'm with 65panhead.
(Quote) Barry, I just cleaned and painted my m/cylinder last week, like you I didn't want to mask and spray so I used a good brush and semi paint, turned out great and looks good..just a thought. (Quote)

I painted my master cylinder a few months ago.
Here's what I did:
1)I went to Homeless Depot and bought a small can of black Rustoleum paint and a small brush.

2) Bought a small wire brush to fit my 3/4 inch drill.

3) Used the brush on the drill to remove old paint and rust from the master cylinder.
The areas that I could not reach I used sandpaper on.
I took my time and it turned out great.

The thermostat housing is much easier. I painted that about a year ago.

Good luck!


Pedro

 

[BarryK]

65pan, Collin, and Pedro

thanks for the suggestions.
i'm VERY hesitate to use the spray paint on the master cylinder - I KNOW with my luck I'd end up with black paint on my new Milano Maroon paint.

I'll clean it as you guys suggest than use a brush to paint it carefully.

Collin, thanks for the info on the proper type of paint and where to get it - that's a huge help.


Man, I love this forum - you guys on here know everything down to the smallest detail