Garsha91's Chevy 63s experimentation

Alright. So I finally took my leafs apart and I'm wanting to do a thread as I continue with these for bushings and equipment and just general cleaning and thoughts.

First step was to take them apart. Started by taking the hangers off and going to clean those up and sell for a few bucks since I won't need them anyway.

Then I took off the bolts on the u that keeps the top leafs together. I then did the center screw to take them apart completely and clean them



This is how they sit. I'm going to soak them in white vinegar for 24 hours and then scrub any access with tinfoil dipped in the vinegar. I'm using tinfoil since it's not as abrasive as steel wool and I don't want to mess these up. Ordering some por15 for later in the process.

 

Decided to experiment with the shackles and some white vinegar today



Going to let them soak for about 27 hours and check them when I get home from work tomorrow

Took them out after 27 hour soak

Didn't come off as easy as I thought. New pieces will be soaking for about 45 hours before looked at

 

Started the soaking process



I did try another product as well and it worked really well I was surprised.

 

The process has begun




This was just from the angle grinder. These weren't dipped in vinegar but I don't think you really need to do it. I've exposed some metal but I'm more concerned with getting the rust gone so I'm happy. The ones soaked in vinegar should be easily to do. These are now soaking to make removing the bushings easier

 

So I've been working on the 63 leafs this weekend. I've tried different things to remove the rust. Fastest is the flap wheel. Hands down. I'm going to sand them by hand so look isn't terribly important right now. Plus I'm painting it with por-15 so it should be fine.

I did try some loctite rust remover



It did work but too much patience and effort compared to the flap wheel.


I also tried rust remover drone Home Depot. Same review. Not as fast but still works if it's something small you want to take light rust off.



Also white vinegar loosens it up but it takes wayyyyyy too long

 

Got some work done on Easter. Process now goes:

White vinegar soak
36 grit flap disc
60 grit flap disc
100 grit on sander
220 grit on sander
Clean off with water then paint them.

Haven't done the 220 grit yet



Before and after with 220

 

Finally got some painting done.

 

Also if your bushings are too small you're going to need these depending on diameter.

 

Here's my measurements

 

Did you take the inner diameter on the last pic?

 

The second one is inner diameter. The last one is outer. First is width

 

Are you painting the mating surfaces with graphite paint?

 

Sub'd

 

I'm using por 15. I also found this paint defender I wanna use on my kings and was thinking of testing it out on the leafs

 

I also got these to help with the squeak. Haven't been able to find ones for the other pads but I'm hoping to

https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/351093261676

 

check out wd-40 liquid rust remover. that stuff works great. it looks like your already past that though.

 

Yea. I tried a bunch of stuff but didn't workout too well. I still need to clean the other leafs and paint them. And the leafs with the u on them bc there's not enough space for what I have so gotta get creative

 

Did some more sanding and painting. Almost there





If you don't have one. I suggest investing in a small sander. Sooooooo much quicker



You will also need plenty of sandpaper and flap discs



As for painting. Use a foam brush. Leaves no brush marks or hairs. Get ones with wooden handles bc the plastic ones will poke through the foam. No good.

 

planning early, gotta get snacks ready!

 

Still trying to find a good way to get in the bushing area. I have a few ideas but idk how well they'll work. Oh well. Trial and error it is