De-rusting axles
As you can see here, I have two donor cars on my desk, a Pharodox and a Cyber Speeder. I fished both of them from my backyard, so they've rotted quite a bit. Any cheap/reliable way to de-rust the axles completely without disassembly?
Discussion
IMO better off spending $1.40 on a new car from Dollar Tree than the $20 plus in product it will take to get a "rotted" car from the backyard in shape to race.
If you want to put in the effort, you could soak them in very warm water with a little bit of Dawn dish soap, or some other brand that claims to be a good de-greaser. Let it sit 20 mins, rinse it out, roll it back and forth several times to get the wheels moving some and then do it all over again a few times. You should be able to get it rolling, but it will never be "fast"
I did this for a few cars I wanted to get rolling again. I took some PB Blast and coated the wheels and axles. I took a single track piece and ran the car back and forth for a little bit. Repeated that process a few days. Then after a while and a some races, I added graphite. Then it was a good rolling car after that. Faster than some main lines, slower than some too. But faster than it was.
If I wanted to, I'd take it a part and swap wheels. If you're stubborn like me, and want to use what it came with, and you want to learn what works. I'd pop the old axles out, I'd use a wire or buffing wheel on a dremel and beat the rust off it. I'd try my best not to bend or beat the snot out of said axle with that brush. Then, I'd find something to coat the axle with, reassemble the axle, and get to testing.
I hope that helps! Good luck and keep us updated on what you did and what worked for you!
i use kroil spray and let sit for 2 days. takes rust off easily witch out opening the car
You could make a solution of CLR and sit the car in / work in. There are also somerust converters, when used with appropriate timings that can also work. While I agree that in many instances most will see it easier to replace axles, I have at times "set myself" the task to see what I can do to attempt to rectify as best as possible rusted axles. And have had "reasonable" success.
Good luck.
Soak the car in this:
CRC Rust Dissolver ER004 | AutoZone share.google/fvi5MriMqfwN0137t
- Does that stuff work pretty well? I have a pile of rusted axles. — SpyDude
- It does. Clay suggested a good product above as well. — Your_Nightmare
- @Spydude if the axles are already out polish them how you would before a race. Dremel or drill with buffing attachment and Turtle Wax Polishing compound is great and cheap. The Rubbing compound is too harsh for axles. — Travelers_Racing_League
Evaporust works well.
I would start out with a Margarita, but that's just my approach. Maybe some chips and salsa.