Clio2 non a/c radiator bracket restore/rust removal using citric acid

[Brigsy]

Morning all

Just restored a set of clio2 non a/c radiator brackets (same as 172 cup i believe) and thought id share the results.

Found a set on ebay on a random slam panel for cheap. Looked like they had been in the sea as expected. Did not get any before pics for some reason so only got a screenshot off ebay.

Both bolts sheared right off even after soaking in penetrating oil as expected.

Ive used Bilt Hamber deox gel with success but opted for the cheaper option this time as id ran out of it. Bought 1kg of food grade citric acid powder for £8 delivered off ebay and mixed a few scoops full into hot water in a container.

Left for a few days with occasional agitation with brass wire brush. Can see lots of rust particles on the container.

After 3 days soaking this is the result

All the rust removed even the smaller pits that is not possible to get with mechanical wire brushing usually. Amazing for little to no effort apart from waiting.

Rinsed off, drilled and nutserted repair

Acid etch primer.

Bedliner paint as top coat, all i had in stock.

Stainless fixings and rubbers back in. Not bad for hardly any work.

Anybody else used this method? I believe if you mix up the citric acid with wallpaper paste its identical to the BH deox gel but a lot cheaper.

 

[Martin_172]

good work, always wanted to try doing something like that, got a feeling ill get carried away lol

 

[Pegasaurus Rex]

I’ve followed the same process several times and frankly bedliner is the best finish after rust removal as it hides the pitting left. Top work as always mate

 

[Brigsy]

good work, always wanted to try doing something like that, got a feeling ill get carried away lol

Cheers mate. Its quite harmless stuff they use it in bath bombs and drinks and flavouring, but agree its hard not to start stripping every nut and bolt/bracket off to strip and repaint once you start lol.

I’ve followed the same process several times and frankly bedliner is the best finish after rust removal as it hides the pitting left. Top work as always mate

Cheers mate. Agreed bedliner hides a million sins its the best.

 

[HSH]

I have used citric acid on an rusty allen/torx/XZN toolset, left over night they came up good as new. The citric acid powder can be found for under £2 in Wilko for a box. Always worth keeping some for jobs like these.

If I want to be belt and braces for some parts exposed to the elements, I cover them in Hydrate 80. Then zinc spray and BH epoxy.

 

[plees]

Love the Bedliner. Mega hard wearing. Applies well and generally a decent finish! Tidy job!