How do I get Rust out of my Rear End Housing??

I have a 57 ford 9" that I found for my A coupe. It was laying on the ground so the inside of the housing is full of rust. The axles were still good, but the gears are s****. My problem now, is how to get all of the rust out of the axle tubes before I rebuild it, so that stuff is not in there distroying my new bearings and gears. Ideas??

Thanks

 

Navel jelly? Thread a wire wheel to a length of threaded rod and spin it through with a drill?

Flatman

 

Do not try to sandblast it.
Is there a chemical dipper in your area? That would guarantee complete rust removal.
If not, the wire wheel sounds like your best bet unless you want to soak it in a kiddie pool full of cider vinegar for a few days.

 

I agree with the dipping method. Any mechanical cleaning has the chance to leave something behind that could cause trouble. Just about any plating shop has the ability to dip for rust removal and should be able to handle a rearend housing.

You can get a new center section with the gear ratio you want easily.

 

Sandblast it and clean it well, just as if you were rebuilding a non-rusted old rearend that had metal shavings from years of use or a failed bearing.

 

Maybe some muratic acid. If you dilute it and leave it over night it should get all the rust out. If you go that route you will probably need to coat it with some oil after you wash it out to prevent t from flash rusting.

 

What about the electrolysis type method using an automotive trickle charger? Might have to do it in an old bathtub or a kiddie pool, but I'm pretty sure that'd work.

 

sandblast it as squirell says..then take it to a spray carwash and clean the **** out of it..done it dozens of times

 

I've always been told that sandblasting is asking for trouble because there's always just a bit of sand left that finds its way into a bearing somewhere. Maybe not. Live and learn, I guess.

 

Toilet bowl cleaner. Let soak in then wash with water.
Mike

 

If you don't clean it very well, then you'll have trouble. To repeat, clean the housing out! and then clean it a few more times.

 

Rust Mort....spray on and wash off next day.

good stuff.

And protects metal.

 

if the sandbalsting option is not readily available, try that Evaporust treatment in addition to pressure washing the **** out of it before and after

 

How about a engine rebuilder ....hot tank for cleaning engines???

 

Do like Squirrel and 36 have suggested, sandblast it. But first subject it to a causic bath, engine rebuilders hot tank, and high pressure wash. After blasting a good session at the car wash with the wand stuck into the tubes from each end and from the middle out. Air dry and cover openings until ***embly. Paint housing after above cleaning has taken place.

Frank

 

I did some checking and the local chrome shop will dip it, they would not quote a cost though...that might not be good. What about the molases bath trick?

What type of paint should I use inside the housing to stop it from rusting again?

Thanks for the ideas

 

Check out Gibbs Penetrating Oil. I have heard good things about it as a rust remover and surface protector. Maybe someone on here will have some input about this product.
http://getgibbs.com/index.php

 

90 wt gear oil will do fine...just make sure to drive the car at least once a year, don't leave it parked for a couple decades.

 

you are at risk at overthinking this...one last time

blast the **** out of it.....then clean all the **** out of it at the spray car wash

guys with MANY years of experience have already told you this

you don't think we know what we are talking about?