CJ3A: 1949 Willys Jeep - Restoration

[Fat Chili]

Originally Posted by Darius

molasses...

Hi mate, I read on here - http://www.smokstak.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27393 that molasses is great on steel, plus I know it works as my old man used it all the time when restoring his 1930 Buick 6. Although, further down the above thread their is a word of warning about using molasses on alloy products - it reportedly dissolves the lot?

[ian]

paint striper and steel wool, pit the striper on with a fine brush, than remove one layer at a time with steel wool, then you bring it to me and i put it in my ultrasonic cleaner

[Fat Chili]

Hi Ian, paint stripper was the first product used (didn't mention it earlier on...woops), not keen on the steel wool as when I say it is "very very fragile", I mean exactly that. The script 'Willys Overland' would more than likely disappear with very little effort and the remainder is almost lost already, it can only be read when tilted to catch the light. The only really defined writing is the stamped in serial number 'CJ3A 17122'.

I'll bring them over next time I come around, i.e. when the TJ's front locker has been rebuilt.

Before (but after the paint stripper and some degreaser)



After (tilted in the light to get best effect)

[Darius]

So thats why I cannot find those alloy parts that i thought I put in my molasses tub a few weeks ago.

Only kidding, I'll have to put some alloy in some to see what happens.

I've been playing around with the molasses for a few months now, throw it in and forget about it for a month or so, then wash it off.

I have got some unknown chemical that really ripps it off in 24 hours, plus the paint, turns the rubber to sludge, not real good for h&s though, but good when in a hurry.

[Fat Chili]

More info and pics added to post # 10 (above).

Darius - when you get your magic potion down pat give me a yell, as I'm still reading up on molasses mixtures.

[ian]

mabe just the ultasonic cleaner, with some actavax, jewellery cleaner and hot water.

[Aaronsjeep]

looking forward to this build, seeing how it comes along.. should be a fun project