When you're restoring an older Corvette, it should come as no surprise that you'll need to freshen the finish on both the chassis and the fiberglass body. While media blasting is one way to remove scales and old paint, that approach can be a bit messy and abrasive. Alternatively, you can follow the old Dupont ad line about "better living through chemistry."
Mid America Motorworks has a line of MWorks chemicals to make your life (and resto projects) easier. They range from paint remover to a variety of rust treatments. The latter solutions provide a variety of ways to remove, convert, or encapsulate rust, depending on the size and location of the part in question. So whatever challenges you encounter in renewing your Corvette's finish, Mid America has got you covered.
1 To remove rust from smaller...
1 To remove rust from smaller parts, simply soak them in a bucket of MWorks Rust Remover for a few hours; no grinding or blasting is needed. The solution is claimed to penetrate and dissolve rust, yet it won't harm the integrity of the underlying metal. And even though it works like an acid, it can be used on copper, brass, aluminum, plastic, rubber, and seals, as well as painted or chromed surfaces. Rust Remover is non-toxic, biodegradable, non-flammable, and non-fuming.
2 Once the Rust Remover does...
2 Once the Rust Remover does its work, it can be followed with Metal Etch. The latter product is designed for bare metal, to inhibit rust and promote finish adhesion. After gently etching the metal, it leaves behind a zinc coating that helps chemically bind paint to the surface.
3 Another approach is to...
3 Another approach is to use MWorks Rust Converter. Instead of removing surface rust, it chemically converts it into an inert black polymer that prevents future rust from forming.
4a All you need are a foam...
4a All you need are a foam brush and a clean container to apply the Rust Converter.
4b Once the rust is converted,...
4b Once the rust is converted, allow 48 hours for curing, at which point the black polymer coating is ready for a topcoat. No primer is required.
5 MWorks Rust Encapsulator...
5 MWorks Rust Encapsulator is formulated to permanently stop corrosion, making it ideal for the underbody and frame. This thick paint bonds to bare or rusty metal to form a rock-hard--yet flexible--non-porous finish that is claimed to never crack, chip, or peel. It works by isolating the metal from oxygen and moisture, keeping rust in a suspended state. Since Encapsulator is impervious to road salt, fuels, fluids, and solvents, it's a quick and effective way to protect metal components in a harsh environment.
6 This fiberglass obviously...
6 This fiberglass obviously needs a lot of work, starting with removing the old paint.
7 MWorks Paint Stripper can...
7 MWorks Paint Stripper can either be sprayed on or applied with a brush, depending on the size of the area needing treatment.
8 Just seconds after applying...
8 Just seconds after applying Paint Stripper with a brush, the paint begins to bubble off.
9 There's no harsh smell...
9 There's no harsh smell or fumes to worry about. Just apply the solution and watch it go to work.
10 Once the paint has lifted,...
10 Once the paint has lifted, use a putty knife to scrape it off.
11 Finish up by wiping off...
11 Finish up by wiping off any residue prior to prepping and painting.