Thread: Molasses Mix for Rust Removal

Lionel, The mix is not that critical. 1 litre in 9 or 10 water, or 500ml in 5l of water is rough enough.
Weaker mix means you wait 5 weeks instead of 4.

Cheers,
Terry

I've used the molasses treatment on my series one parts.

Can't say I paid much attention to ratios, just poured the molasses in and filled it up with water, swirl it around, put the parts in, put the lid on and leave it in the sun for a few days.

Be careful with cast iron parts as it tends to eat them... Also alloys....

Hi,

I have a few rusty nuts... What's the plan once the rust is gone? Get them zinc plated, WD40??? Otherwise they'll be rusty again in a few days?

I read this a while back:

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/projects-t...-molasses.html

Originally Posted by mrapocalypse

Hi,

I have a few rusty nuts... What's the plan once the rust is gone? Get them zinc plated, WD40??? Otherwise they'll be rusty again in a few days?

Hello Mr Apocalypse,

I did some research into Lanolin based sprays and liquid which I will trial after the stuff comes out of the molasses mix. According to what I have read the metal parts should be warmed up like being left out in the sun for a couple of hours before the liquid bath or spray is applied. Apparently when it is warm it does the Mrs Marsh Colgate trick.

I will let you know how I go. The parts will not be painted so the Lanolin should not be an issue.

If I was going to paint them I would use a rust prevention paint and then a couple of top coats to seal everything up. Like the White Knight pressure pack paints. This is instead of going down the Lanolin path. I could not imagine nice oily Lanolin and paint liking each other.

Kind Regards
Lionel

Zinc plating is another option.
A mate has set up a small plating bath. From memory he had a piece of zinc, vinegar, an old battery charger plus some copper wire and a plastic container. He does all the nuts & bolts off his old bikes and is getting good results.

You can buy off-the-shelf kits Jane Kits : home page : nickel plating kits, zinc plating kits, copper plating kits, gold plating kits he took more of a DIY approach.


Colin

If you use a higher concentrate just make sure you check the parts every few days otherwise there may be nothing left.
5ltrs is not very big so i'd be looking for something larger say 20ltrs at least.

i appreciate that the experiences on most on here to the use of molasses has been favourable but I have to say I have not found it to work at all.

Molassis purchased from from a farm produce/stock feed shop, mixed in a 1:10 ratio and surface rusted item immersed for about 6 weeks with it inspected every week - came out at the end looking exactly as it had gone in - still with all the rust on it - no noticeable action at all.

Garry