Reed 204 1/2 restoration question

[2glock40s]

Like the title says I'm in the process of trying to clean years and years of gunk, grease, dirt and metal filings out of this vise in order to paint it. I've used mineral spirits and brake cleaner to get most of the crud off it. I don't have access to any type of media blasting and was thinking of using my pressure washer to power through all the gunk thats left in all the crevices. Anyone see an issue with me doing this provided I coat it with WD40 after the pressure washing? I'm assuming I'll get some flash rust on it after its washed and before I can get the WD40 on it. Will I need to remove the flash rust before painting? Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[dirtydogintex]

The WD, all other oils (including finger prints), silicone and other contaminants* should come off before priming/painting unless fish eyes are a desired effect.

The last thing I do before priming/painting metal is to
wipe with lacquer thinner/more volatile solvent,
blowing clean oil-free air/wiping w/clean rags to dry
just to be sure....


* includes the mud and the blood and the beer

 

[2glock40s]

Thanks for the info! What about using the pressure washer? Good idea or more trouble than what it's worth?

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

You won't hurt it with a pressure washer. It should help you out really well.

 

[larryq]

Have you thought of putting it in an electrolysis vat for a couple of days to help clean it off? A 5 gal bucket, battery charger, some wire and iron rebar is all you need. Plenty of examples here and on the internet on how to do it. Gets the rust and old paint off just great.

 

[Outlawmws]

Have you thought of putting it in an electrolysis vat for a couple of days to help clean it off? A 5 gal bucket, battery charger, some wire and iron rebar is all you need. Plenty of examples here and on the internet on how to do it. Gets the rust and old paint off just great.

 

[dirtydogintex]

+1 pressure washer/degreaser.... electrolysis (curious how well this cleans the inside of the slide)

 

[2glock40s]

I've thought of the electrolysis route but having a hard time finding a battery charger. I've heard some of the new ones will shut down if they don't detect a battery. Trying to find one on CL is futile because using the search feature always pulls up cell phone and laptop chargers. Any ideas on finding one would be appreciated.

 

[Ajmckay]

I used oven cleaner overnight for mine and it worked great and smelled fresh. Won't get off the heavy grease, but once you remove that, the oven cleaner will get most of the remaining paint along with a quick stiff brushing...

Good luck!

 

[Outlawmws]

I've thought of the electrolysis route but having a hard time finding a battery charger. I've heard some of the new ones will shut down if they don't detect a battery. Trying to find one on CL is futile because using the search feature always pulls up cell phone and laptop chargers. Any ideas on finding one would be appreciated.

Just add a batter to the modern charger and go for it. the battery keeps the "Smart" charger happy and the charger does the work.

 

[kazlx]

You could also soak it in purple power. Nothing wrong with going to town with a pressure washer either.

 

[camarotoolman]

I use Gunk,or similar product, let it soak for a few hours, then blast it with a garden hose, dry the sun, then paint.

 

[coolreed]

There are many things you can use to clean it up. Vinegar Soak, Easy Off, Wire Brush it, Soap amd Water and Scrub, Electrolysis. You can even take it down to a car wash.

I use those flat layered sandpaper wheels alot on my offset grinder and grind/polish vises when I am restoring them works very well. Around the lettering I use a wire rope wheel.

For grease, I use soap/water and a brush. For rust, I use a vinegar soak and a wire brush after the soak. If the rust is really bad I grind it off.

 

[2glock40s]

Thanks for all the info! Think I'll try a little of all of it.

 

[BlindViper]

I use a old computer power supply it works fine