Cleaning Corroded PoP

[James B.]

I have my Vette's original warranty book/PoP I fortunately found buried under the jack. Unfortunately, the steel PoP has some corrosion on it. Any recommendations for how to clean this or is there a service available to make this look better? Picture attached. Thanks

[Loren L.]

Re: Cleaning Corroded PoP

I'm sure there will be better suggestions, but I'd drop it into a plastic tub filled with a gentle cleaner like 409 for about two days, then borrow
your wife's toothbrush and see how much rust goes away. Repeat a number of times. When it get close, THEN I'd use some sort of penetrating oil.

[Peter S.]

Re: Cleaning Corroded PoP

Hi James,

Unfortunately, you have metal loss in your VIN, though it is still legible. Maybe consider soaking a rag in Evaporust and placing on the POP for a few hours.

Honestly, I would be afraid to lose information and since this is not a judged item, I'd leave it as-is.

[Leif A.]

Re: Cleaning Corroded PoP

I think you'd be safe soaking in Evaporust. Drop it in a shallow solution and check on it every hour or two. I've left objects in Evaporust overnight and have never had a problem...all natural,biodegradable stuff.

[Jim S.]

Re: Cleaning Corroded PoP

I agree with Loren and Peter , Gentle soap and soft Tooth brush at most . Maybe just the Dry Tooth Brush , or the brush and some oil at first .
I would hate to see some if it disappear along with the rust !

I am not familiar with Evaporust, but I think all those products contain at least a little acid , no ?

Jim

[Leif A.]

Re: Cleaning Corroded PoP

I agree with Loren and Peter , Gentle soap and soft Tooth brush at most . Maybe just the Dry Tooth Brush , or the brush and some oil at first .
I would hate to see some if it disappear along with the rust !

I am not familiar with Evaporust, but I think all those products contain at least a little acid , no ?

Jim

Jim,

NO acid in Evaporust, or alkalis or petroleum products.

[Edward J.]

Re: Cleaning Corroded PoP

Personally I would not touch it the history to your car. maybe a coating of oil and put it in a zip lock bag. you will never forgive your self if something happens to this document for your car.

[James B.]

Re: Cleaning Corroded PoP

Thanks for the ideas. It's still firmly attached to the paper warranty book so I don't want to remove it to drop it in a solution.

[Mike E.]

Re: Cleaning Corroded PoP

Thanks for the ideas. It's still firmly attached to the paper warranty book so I don't want to remove it to drop it in a solution.

I was going to suggest Evaporust except for the reason you suggested. I'm afraid the plate should be removed from the booklet. Evaporust is pretty amazing stuff. This rear bumper shim was nothing but a solid chunk of rust, I soaked it for a week in Evaporust and you could still see the original paint dip coat on the part.



Mike

[Dennis O.]

Re: Cleaning Corroded PoP

Another vote for Evaporust. It is one "Miracle Product" that works like it should. It is very safe, and only effects rust. I soaked the Parking light units from my '51 Ford. Not only did it clean all the rust off, it didn't touch the factory black paint in the grooves in the housing. I do not agree with those who say "leave it alone"; you have a very active case of rust going on there. If not stopped, it will ultimately destroy whats left of the plate. Possibly talk to a paper consertvator about safely removing the Protecto-Plate from the page, soaking it, and reattaching it to the booklet.

[Kevin G.]

Re: Cleaning Corroded PoP

Hi Jim,

I just learned about a really good metal polish called "Flitz". I'm in the process of cleaning up an old brass cash register. So far, the Flitz has been the sheitz! It's not that easy to find and was recommended to me by a professional metal polisher, that's been in business for decades. You can apply it without damaging the paper as it's a wipe on type product.

Regards,

Kevin

[Dennis O.]

Re: Cleaning Corroded PoP

Although "Flitz" is a very good metal polish, just the fact that it is a polish probably disqulifies it's use for this. As a polish, using it to clean the PoP will significantly alter the character of the finish, which is counter to what you want to accomplish.

[Jim T.]

Re: Cleaning Corroded PoP

What year is your Corvette?

[Kevin G.]

Re: Cleaning Corroded PoP

Although "Flitz" is a very good metal polish, just the fact that it is a polish probably disqulifies it's use for this. As a polish, using it to clean the PoP will significantly alter the character of the finish, which is counter to what you want to accomplish.

Sounds like you might be familiar with the Flitz product? They do have cleaners along with the polishes. I would be hard pressed to think the finish would be changed terribly from applying their products. I believe it would return it to it's original appearance.

[Edward S.]

Re: Cleaning Corroded PoP

In most cases you can find find flitz products in harley shops.