Another Build Thread - My '32

[J. Robinson]

Well, progress is still slow. I have been sidetracked on other projects (home maintenance stuff), but I have been working on some of the smaller stuff in between. I tried using the electrolysis tank to clean the rear end housing, but it wasn't working well. After torching off the original leaf spring pads, I used a 4" electric grinder to remove the remaining welds and slag. I then switched to an air pistol grinder with flexible disc to remove surface rust and some of the pitting. I chased away more rust and pitting with a small angle die-grinder and a series of Roloc "surface conditioning discs". These look like coarse Scotchbrite material made to fit the Roloc adapter.

After I was satisfied with the smoothness of the surface, I brushed on a coat of Ospho. I was introduced to Ospho about 30 years ago; I had never heard of it when I lived up north, but it is commonly known here in the south. It is a liquid that contains phosphoric acid and other chemicals. It turns rust (iron oxide) into iron phosphate which is impervious to rust and is a good base for paint. I could have sandblasted the housing, but I would have had to prime it immediately to keep more rust from forming. This way I can wait until I'm done with welding on my brackets, etc. before I have to worry about painting it.