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Old 08-20-2020, 09:57 PM   #1
Lawson Cox
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Default Removing oxidation from NOS radiator core

I posed this same question on a thread several years ago but I cannot locate it in the archives and my fading memory cannot recall all of the great suggestions given to me. I have a NOS radiator core, still in the box, that is covered with fine film of oxidation on the brass. I need good solution for removing the oxidation before painting. Looking for information to refresh my memory.

Also, what is the correct nomenclature for the felt covered glass channel pieces that fit in the rear edge of the front doors that the glass slides back into when "cracking" the window for ventilation. We call them "Bat wings" around here, but that is not a Ford term.

Much appreciation from an old man with a bad case of CRS.

Lawson
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Old 08-20-2020, 10:10 PM   #2
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Default Re: Removing oxidation from NOS radiator core

I would mix up a few gallons of water with white vinegar, pour it in, gently shake it for about 5 min. and then pour it out and rinse with clean fresh water. Repeat as needed.
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Old 08-20-2020, 10:20 PM   #3
Lawson Cox
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Default Re: Removing oxidation from NOS radiator core

What ratio of vinegar to water? Do you need to neuteralize the vinegar in any way?
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Old 08-20-2020, 10:28 PM   #4
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Default Re: Removing oxidation from NOS radiator core

Deap channel whiskers /rear deap channel ,Smokers vent channel .
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Old 08-21-2020, 01:06 AM   #5
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Default Re: Removing oxidation from NOS radiator core

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Originally Posted by Lawson Cox View Post
I have a NOS radiator core, still in the box, that is covered with fine film of oxidation on the brass. I need good solution for removing the oxidation before painting.

Lawson....Just to be clear, you're talking about this oxidation being on the OUTSIDE of the radiator, correct? DD
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Old 08-21-2020, 02:08 AM   #6
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Default Re: Removing oxidation from NOS radiator core

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Lawson....Just to be clear, you're talking about this oxidation being on the OUTSIDE of the radiator, correct? DD

Remember, Lawson is in Georgia!
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Old 08-21-2020, 07:59 AM   #7
19Fordy
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Default Re: Removing oxidation from NOS radiator core

Lawson, I would add 1 cup vinegar to 4 gal water. Soak and rinse, rinse, rinse till it's nice and clean and you don't taste the vinegar.
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Old 08-21-2020, 08:56 AM   #8
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Default Re: Removing oxidation from NOS radiator core

Like V8COOPMAN I also believe he's talking about the outside..............
Paul in CT
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Old 08-21-2020, 09:10 AM   #9
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Default Re: Removing oxidation from NOS radiator core

Get a plastic cement mixing tub from Lowe’s the big one. Then stop be supermarket & get some quarts of Coke. Enough to cover core. Let soak a few hours then rinse off. Good luck.
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Old 08-21-2020, 09:21 AM   #10
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Default Re: Removing oxidation from NOS radiator core

When I worked at a radiator shop in the 70’s, we would use Muratic acid to clean the inside of the radiators before I painted them. It got them shiny as new on the inside, If any got on the outside it would do the same.
Just don’t leave them more than a few seconds if using pure acid. A watered down batch would work better I think.
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Old 08-21-2020, 09:26 AM   #11
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Default Re: Removing oxidation from NOS radiator core

... and for anyone with an aluminum radiator, don't do this. You will end up with a nice gray tank.
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Old 08-21-2020, 10:06 AM   #12
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Default Re: Removing oxidation from NOS radiator core

An old boss of mine took his radiator out of the tractor and decided to flush it with muriatic acid once. Filled it up and left overnight, next morning had a clean leaky radiator and a hole in the concrete that was under it.
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Old 08-21-2020, 10:16 AM   #13
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Default Re: Removing oxidation from NOS radiator core

Also a phosphoric acid diluted with water will work great. That was the reason for using coke in the post above. You can find some in the paint department of any Home Depot. Also great for general de-rusting. Light oxidation is ok to leave, just shoot it with a light coat of some black lacquer. The residue left behind (phosphoric coating) will actually prevent further oxidation.
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Old 08-21-2020, 03:26 PM   #14
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Default Re: Removing oxidation from NOS radiator core

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Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN View Post
Lawson....Just to be clear, you're talking about this oxidation being on the OUTSIDE of the radiator, correct? DD
That's all I can see. May be on inside of tubes as well. I'm figuring to soak the whole thing to get both inside and outside surfaces.
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Old 08-21-2020, 03:32 PM   #15
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Default Re: Removing oxidation from NOS radiator core

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Lawson, I would add 1 cup vinegar to 4 gal water. Soak and rinse, rinse, rinse till it's nice and clean and you don't taste the vinegar.
Just damn. I was planning on using the vinegar on tossed salad with a little MMO. Oh well.
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Old 08-21-2020, 03:33 PM   #16
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Default Re: Removing oxidation from NOS radiator core

Washing soda to check it every few hrs ,
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Old 08-21-2020, 04:28 PM   #17
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Default Re: Removing oxidation from NOS radiator core

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Washing soda to check it every few hrs ,
Ted. What is "Washing soda"? We're up here on the top side dontcha know? LOL.
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Old 08-21-2020, 06:11 PM   #18
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Default Re: Removing oxidation from NOS radiator core

Hi Lawson ,Washing soda is a additive for the washing machine ,mild form of caustic soda.you might find more about it on the Model A , ,,Ted
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...t=washing+soda
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Old 08-21-2020, 08:07 PM   #19
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Default Re: Removing oxidation from NOS radiator core

Washing soda, aka sodium carbonate(or soda ash), is a natural cleaner and a powerful water softener. It has a very high ph, 11, so be careful.
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