Learn How To Remove Rust From A Used Car Part

When you need to replace a part on your car, using a used part (like those from Bruce's Auto Wreckers) is often the most affordable option available. One major issue that comes with buying used parts is that they may have rust on them. When there is rust on a part, it does not mean that the part is not useable. If you take the time to remove the rust from the part, you could save a ton of money on your vehicle repairs. Use the following guide to learn how to handle rust on a used car part.

Lemon and Salt

If you have a small amount of rust on a car part that you want to use on your car, you can easily remove the rust using lemon and salt. Sprinkle salt over the rusted area. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salt and use the rind to rub the mixture into the area lightly. Leave the salt and lemon mixture in place for two to three hours. Once the mixture dries, you should be able to easily rub away the rust that was on the part with a clean dry rag.

Sand the Area

If the rusted area is on a somewhat smooth surface, you can use sandpaper to sand the area and remove the rust. Be sure that you use gentle strokes when removing the rust to ensure that you do not cause damage to the part. This will be difficult to do with oddly shaped parts or parts that have intricate pieces.

White Vinegar  

If the entire part is covered in rust, place it in a large pan or bin and pour white vinegar over it. The vinegar will eat away at the rust and neutralize it so that it cannot spread to anywhere else on the part. Be sure that the entire part is covered with the vinegar and let it sit for 18 to 20 hours. After the time has passed, you can remove the part from the vinegar and dry it off. There should be no rust left on it.

Rust Convertor

After you have removed any visible rust from the part, spray it with a rust convertor. The convertor will stop any future rust from developing on the part so that it will be as usable as possible.

Once you have removed the rust from the part, you can take it to a mechanic to have it used in your car for any repair you need. The used part will cost far less than a new part and removing any rust from it will take less than a day to do.  

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