Found these in an antique shop. Now for some help

[BTSDOG]

Hello,
Found a couple of nice old WWII ammo boxes and Im looking for a good way to cleanup and stop the slight surface rust without causing any harm to the rest of the original paint. Anybody have some ideas or knowledge on which avenue to pursue ?? I was thinking of a stiff bristle non metal toothbrush and some kroil or ballistol. Any thoughts ? Here are some pics.....

 

[cathouse01]

I’ve had success in removing rust from cast iron cookware with this:
https://smile.amazon.com/Evapo-Rust-Original-contains-non-toxic-biodegradable/dp/B00M0TLQ66/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=Evapo-Rust®&qid=1615236585&sr=8-2

 

[1903Collector]

I’ve had success in removing rust from cast iron cookware with this:
https://smile.amazon.com/Evapo-Rust-Original-contains-non-toxic-biodegradable/dp/B00M0TLQ66/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=Evapo-Rust®&qid=1615236585&sr=8-2

That shit is amazing!!!! Used it on some reloading dies, not deep pitting rust but a good coating of surface rust. I had to look for it around here, the auto parts stores usually have it though.

 

[1903Collector]

I've never seen ammo cans like that before, but I'm no expert either.

 

[cathouse01]

That shit is amazing!!!! Used it on some reloading dies, not deep pitting rust but a good coating of surface rust. I had to look for it around here, the auto parts stores usually have it though.

Tractor Supply also carries it.

ETA I heard about it from a guy who does antique car restorations. That’s why a lot of the auto stores carry it.

 

[1903Collector]

Tractor Supply also carries it.

Good to know, I've got one close by.

 

[mac1911]

Be careful with evap o rust any rust that has worked its way under the paint will remove the rust and the paint.
Personally I would look into how to just stop further rusting.
I would explore preservation , maybe just a good cleaning with warm soapy water and apply a corrosion inhibitor ?

 

[grey]

Be careful with evap o rust any rust that has worked its way under the paint will remove the rust and the paint.
Personally I would look into how to just stop further rusting.
I would explore preservation , maybe just a good cleaning with warm soapy water and apply a corrosion inhibitor ?

Yep evapo rust can loosen up alot of that paint. Good catch. Clean and lightly oil them. Enjoy the patina

 

[cathouse01]

Be careful with evap o rust any rust that has worked its way under the paint will remove the rust and the paint.
Personally I would look into how to just stop further rusting.
I would explore preservation , maybe just a good cleaning with warm soapy water and apply a corrosion inhibitor ?

Good point, I’ve only used it on solid cast iron where there was no concern about preserving old paint.

 

[EC1]

use evaporust, it will remove the rust, including that under the paint. if you just remove the surface rust and leave the rust under the paint, the remaining rust will cause future damage.

 

[Sterg]

I have one that was painted grey, I’m guessing Navy. It had rust on it so I just doused it with CLP and wiped it clean.

 

[mac1911]

use evaporust, it will remove the rust, including that under the paint. if you just remove the surface rust and leave the rust under the paint, the remaining rust will cause future damage.

The best thing is try to slow it down.

 

[Jason m]

I have used diesel mixed with ATF and a plastic wire brush to clean surface rust off of parts in the past. I cant recall if any of them had paint or if it lifted the paint afterwards.

 

[FalArAk]

Obviously with ammo cans you don't have to worry about them being worth a ton of cash, unless there is ammo inside lol I would just use Evaporust the whole thing and repaint it closest to the original color.

 

[Wrench75]

use evaporust, it will remove the rust, including that under the paint. if you just remove the surface rust and leave the rust under the paint, the remaining rust will cause future damage.

This is why I would just throw them in a water electrolysis tank and repaint them after. I set up a little WE rig the other day to clean my Arisaka. If you haven't seen it in action, you wouldn't believe how effective it is.

 

[mac1911]

Im not sure how much of the paint may come off but you could boil them in distilled water to convert the rust then treat them from that point ?
I like ammo cans in the “as found” condition.
I dont have any older than Korean War era. I actually like wood ammo crates.
Or just strip them completely and repaint?

 

[sieveboy]

I’d brush them off as you propose. The exteriors look great the way they are. These are WW II era.

 

[Mountain]

Simple Green at proper dilution and nylon brush will bring the paint back to nice condition and knock off the loose rust if you want to preserve not restore.

 

[SS1]

Use a stiff brush to clean any dirt and flaking paint, Then get some CLEAR flat or gloss Rust-Oleum rattle cans.

 

[DessertFirst01]

000 steel wool and wd40.

 

[mac1911]

Hello,
Found a couple of nice old WWII ammo boxes and Im looking for a good way to cleanup and stop the slight surface rust without causing any harm to the rest of the original paint. Anybody have some ideas or knowledge on which avenue to pursue ?? I was thinking of a stiff bristle non metal toothbrush and some kroil or ballistol. Any thoughts ? Here are some pics.....

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What every you do post your results

 

[BTSDOG]

What every you do post your results

Will do....

 

[moojpg2]

I would brush the loose rust and dirt off and wipe down with some alcohol or mineral spirits and then paint em with a satin clear to preserve the patina.