I am working on cleaning up some parts before I start re-assembling my cuda and would like to hear what you guys do. I am working on some behind the dash bare metal parts and the window regulators.

I started in my parts washer by using a cleaning solvent (purple power I think) and scotch bright pad but that left fine scratches all over. So I moved on to a small cleaning brush and fine steel wool to clean the dirt. I have had nice results but would like to hear what you do...

Al

Bead blast with micro baloons or glass media. For solvent, I use stoddard solvent, MEK, tolulane, Acetone, naptha. Each chemical has a different purpose. Tim

I am trying to stay away from solvents...

I agree about wanting to stay away from solvents. I too use purple power cleaner and the orange citrus stuff. They work ok but not 100 percent. I have used the low voc type of brake cleaner in a spray can to degrease, it works good but goes quick, also I have good results with Duplicolor degreaser/wax remover in a spray can, probably one of the best products I have found so far in my restore. Good Luck.
Chris.

Both purple power and any citrus based cleaners are acidic. Extremely corrosive to aluminum and somewhat on steel. I washed and airplane engine with purple power, the next day it was covered with white powder. I would up rinsing again and treating with baking soda water then rinsing again several times. I should have used gasoline mixed with tide and dawn dish soap. Put it in a bug sprayer, been using that combination for washing aluminum since. Solvents work. Most car restorers do not used enough in a lifetime to bother anything or anybody. Solvents have a use and a place. Take necessary precautions and use your PPE and have fun cleaning! Tim

I have had good results with the purple power cleaner. I also use EvapoRust to remove any rust. The combination of the two with fine steel wool has given me results that are really nice. It is a bit of elbow grease at times but without a blast cabinet it is the best I think I can do with what I have.

A blast cabinet would probably save me a ton of time and I am interested in using one (and have a large compressor) but I have no experience with blasting. It seems a little overwhelming with all the media types and sizes. All I will be doing is small parts, brackets, etc.

Anyway, I appreciate the input so far. I will post some before and after pics of some of the things I have done...

0000 steel wool dipped in EvapoRust works great for removing surface rust.

I've got a small blast cabinet and primarily use glass beads. The glass doesn't do a very good job of cleaning up heavy rust. You need something more agressive for that.

I've also got a cheap parts tumbler from Harbor Freight that I've been using for all the fasteners. I fill it with the green pyramids and some EvapoRust or a degreaser and let it do most of the work. Once the parts come out of the tumbler, they only need a very quick bead blast and they are ready for refinishing.