Preventing rust on bare metal parts waiting for paint

[3046moparcoupe]

We don't have it as bad as the Houston Tx area, but the DFW metroplex area of Texas can hit ya with high humidity levels for extended periods of time and it can change at the drop of a hat. The following is something I wanted to share with members in regards to this - hopefully it might help someone out a bit.

 

For about $10 here's what I've done to keep humidity off parts were wire wheeled down to bare metal in preparation for paint, then had to sit for days  if not weeks due to rainy high humidity weather.

 

Wallmart carries a line of plastic sealing bags called "magicbag", They are space saver type bags and they come in different sizes....(don't confuse this brand with the ziploc type bags they also carry,...I have had about 75% of the Ziploc bags come apart at the seal after only a single use, the magicbag's seem to be better made and don't do this),...

 

I just purchased a box of 3ea magicbag's size 18" x 24" for $4.00,.....cast iron intake manifold fits right in it with room left over,....flywheel would fit with room to spare, etc...just an example , but they also have larger sizes that cost a bit more....

 

Wallmart also carries a line of cat litter called MiMi Kitty, it is made up entirely of Silica Gel Crystals, and you can get a 4 lb bag of it, for $4.99.

 

I took some of my old plastic prescription bottles, removed the white plastic lid, then drilled the plastic lid with 4-6 holes to allow air flow, then cut a small circle out of a paper towel and insert the circle into the inside of the plastic cap you just drilled holes into. Now fill your bottle with the silica gel crystals and screw the cap onto the bottle, then re-seal your litter bag with tape so it stays freash and dry for future use

 

Place your part and the bottle inside the plastic bag and seal the double seal of the bag,..then grab your vacuum and suck the air out of the one way valve on the bag.

 

Your part is now vacuum sealed inside the bag which also contains a supply of desiccant.....be easy with the vacuum as it will pull the plastic in and onto the part very quickly - I have wondered about a sharp part edge ripping the plastic and defeating the purpose, so I've experimented a bit and pulled the bag down to where it was completely vacuum sealed against the part which had bolt heads and studs sticking out and it did not tear or rip the plastic.. again these magicbag's are much better made bags than the Ziploc brand.

 

Hope this helps someone.

 

Steve

 

 

[Vin's 49 Plymouth]

The bags are a great idea. There is some Dry-Z Air products that keep the moisture down to almost zero if you use enough and have the holder they sell with it. I know that LeMay used it before they built the museum in Tacoma, Washington.