Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: TerryD on April 02, 2014, 06:48:45 pm

Title: 66 vibrolux rust on transformer and chrome parts -what to do
Post by: TerryD on April 02, 2014, 06:48:45 pm

I have rust on the black power transformer mostly on the side where the tubes are.  I know your supposed to be careful with that.  Can I get the rust off and coat it with something?

Also some of the major chrome parts are real rusty.  Funny, because the amp doesn't smell that bad and the speakers seem in good shape.  Whats the best thing to do, that I can do by myself?  Can I dremel tool the rust off?  It's real bad.  I can't imagine coating the parts with anything.  The corners, chasse bars, handle ends and screw ends. 

Thanks again.  Your answer on my other post were most helpful.  Not up and running quite yet.

Title: Re: 66 vibrolux rust on transformer and chrome parts -what to do
Post by: HotBluePlates on April 02, 2014, 07:07:37 pm

Quote from: TerryD on April 02, 2014, 06:48:45 pm

I have rust on the black power transformer mostly on the side where the tubes are.  I know your supposed to be careful with that.  Can I get the rust off and coat it with something?

I defer to people who make transformers for a living. Mercury Magnetics says it's fine (http://www.mercurymagnetics.com/pages/_misc/FAQ.htm#Transformer_Rust) to leave it as-is.

If you want to make it pretty, brush off with a nylon brush or the like (toothbrush, paint brush, etc) and paint over with Rustoleum. It may never look great as the rusted area will likely look bubbled.

Quote from: TerryD on April 02, 2014, 06:48:45 pm

Also some of the major chrome parts are real rusty.  ...  Whats the best thing to do, that I can do by myself?  Can I dremel tool the rust off?  It's real bad.  I can't imagine coating the parts with anything.  ...

What do you want the end result to be?

You can knock off the rust with whatever you like (brush, Dremel, naval jelly, etc). But at best you'll have bare steel areas and chromed areas. The steel gets plated in copper then nickel and finally chrome. Any rusted areas are down to the base metal, and there is no "shining it back up" to match the chromed areas.

Further, the part would need to be completely cleaned and buffed for re-plating, as any lack of smoothness in the base metal before plating translates to a rough finish after chroming. The mirror finish we're used to is entirely dependent on a flawless base surface.

If you just want to make it look non-rusty, knock off the rust however you like. If you want the original parts re-chromed, consult a local plating shop for their opinion and cost. If you want shortest-path to like-new, you buy new parts to replace the rusted ones.

Title: Re: 66 vibrolux rust on transformer and chrome parts -what to do
Post by: eleventeen on April 02, 2014, 07:53:21 pm

You are going to think I'm completely insane for suggesting it, but Coca Cola (or any non-diet cola) is excellent for removing rust from chrome parts.

Now you know what it does to your insides.

watch:

Title: Re: 66 vibrolux rust on transformer and chrome parts -what to do
Post by: TerryD on April 02, 2014, 08:39:33 pm

That's amazing,  Yik! I drink that crap

Thanks guys

Title: Re: 66 vibrolux rust on transformer and chrome parts -what to do
Post by: jjasilli on April 03, 2014, 09:34:16 am

+1 to Hotblue.  See, e.g.:  http://ludens.cl/Electron/trafos/trafos.html  SEARCH for "rust".  Or google "rusty transformer laminations"