Rusty Nail

MWorks chemical cocktails that clean and treat corroded components.

Story and photos by Steve Temple

When you’re working on a project car, especially one that uses an older donor car, it should come as no surprise that you’ll need to freshen the finish on the chassis, and also remove paint and/or rust from the panels. And if you’re installing new aftermarket steel panels, those might need protection from rust.

Here’s a barn find showing its age, a ’32 Ford discovered in Fresno, California, by twin brothers Don and John Coleman. While some panels are too far gone, and will need replacing with aftermarket pieces, many can be rescued with some rust-removal treatments.

Whatever the size of metal part, MWorks has a product to simplify restoration and protection.

Ideal for the underbody and frame, MWorks’ Rust Encapsulator is formulated to permanently stop corrosion. This thick paint bonds to bare or rusty metal to form a rock-hard yet flexible, nonporous finish that is claimed to never crack, chip or peel. It works by isolating the metal from oxygen and moisture to keep rust in a suspended state. Since the Encapsulator is impervious to road salt, fuels, fluids and solvents, it’s a quick and effective way to protect metal components in a harsh environment.

Once the Rust Remover does its work, it can be followed with Metal Etch. This product is designed for bare metal (either old or newer aftermarket parts), to inhibit rust and promote paint adhesion. After gently etching the metal, it leaves behind a zinc coating that helps chemically bind paint to the surface.

While media blasting is one way to remove scales and old paint, that approach can be a bit messy and abrasive. Alternatively, you can follow the old Dupont ad line about “better living through chemistry.”

To remove rust from smaller parts, simply soak them in a bucket of Rust Remover for a few hours, no grinding or blasting needed. It’s designed to penetrate and dissolve rust, but not harm the integrity of the metal. Even though MWorks Rust Remover works like an acid, it can be used on copper, brass, aluminum, plastic, rubber and seals. Nor will it remove paint, chrome and non-oxide surface coatings. Rust Remover is nontoxic, biodegradable, nonflammable and nonfuming.

Another approach is to use MWorks Rust Converter. Instead of removing surface rust, it chemically converts it into an inert black polymer that prevents future rust from forming.

To apply the Rust Converter, all you need is a foam brush, dipped in a clean, separate container. Once the rust is converted, allow 48 hours for curing, at which point the black polymer coating is ready for a topcoat, as it does not require any primer.

Mid America has a line of MWorks chemicals to make your life easier. They range from paint remover to a variety of rust treatments. The latter solutions provide a range of ways to either remove, convert or encapsulate rust, depending on the size and location of the part. They can also protect fresh metal parts from future corrosion. So whatever challenges you encounter in renewing your project car, Mid America has got you covered.