Although great aftermarket hardware kits are available for those with vintage and Fox-body Mustangs, sometimes we just want to keep our original hardware. So what can you do with rusty or painted over hardware? The Northwest Pony Shoppe in Snohomish, Washington, turned us on to this method of hardware restoration and you can do it in your home garage. All you need is a hotplate, Eastwood’s After Blast Metal Prep (phosphoric acid), and WD-40 in a gallon can.
1 Our hardware has been media...
1 Our hardware has been media blasted with a super-fine abrasive and is ready for treatment.
2 Eastwood’s #11971ZP After...
2 Eastwood’s #11971ZP After Blast Metal Prep acid etch solution is heated to 160 degrees F, but no higher, before the media-blasted hardware is submerged for 30 minutes. Use a pair of tongs to remove the hardware. Wear face, eye, and hand protection.
3 Allow the hardware to dry...
3 Allow the hardware to dry after removing it from the After Blast Metal Prep. Surfaces are now etched from the acid, which helps the metal resist electrolysis and corrosion.
4 Allow the hardware to soak...
4 Allow the hardware to soak in WD-40 for 30 minutes, then remove and allow to dry again. This system of preservation works quite well. However, it is an ongoing process that you will have to do again from time to time. This process not only removes rust, it also slows down the rust process.