gas cap clean up

[Don W.]

My '69 gas cap is oxidized with white stains and discoloration; I want to know how best to clean it up. Is it aluminum and should I use aluminum polish or is it built with a different metal? Also, once cleaned up, what's the best method to limit future staining; auto wax? thanks...Don

[Joe L.]

Re: gas cap clean up

My '69 gas cap is oxidized with white stains and discoloration; I want to know how best to clean it up. Is it aluminum and should I use aluminum polish or is it built with a different metal? Also, once cleaned up, what's the best method to limit future staining; auto wax? thanks...Don

Don------


The cap is NOT aluminum. It's mostly steel and zinc plated. Over time, the zinc finish oxidizes and loses all of its luster and become dull. Most chemicals that you could use to clean it up could damage or, even, remove the zinc plating.

[Don W.]

Re: gas cap clean up

Thanks Joe, I may have already ruined it years ago by trying clean it up with polish...Don

[Gary H.]

Re: gas cap clean up

Soak it in full strength Simple Green overnight rinse it off. Repeat as necessary!

[Bruce B.]

Re: gas cap clean up

Go to a hobby store and get a tube of silver "Rub & Buff".
Rub it on the cap and then buff it with a soft cloth it will look great.

[Ara G.]

Re: gas cap clean up

0000 steel wool at Home Depot. Works amazingly well on radiator caps with the oxidation as well. I tried it on a junk cap first and wow.

[Russ S.]

Re: gas cap clean up

Or have it re-plated. It should be white cadmium. (silver)

[Mike F.]

Re: gas cap clean up

I soaked mine in Evaporust for a day. Removed all of the oxidation, but left the patina. I can post a pic tonight.

[Lawrence S.]

Re: gas cap clean up

X2 with Evap o Rust

[Floyd B.]

Re: gas cap clean up

Just beware that products like evapo-rust will remove ALL sacrificial coatings. Remember that rust/oxidation is itself is a form sacrificial coating.

[Jerry K.]

Re: gas cap clean up

I love Rub & Buff silver, also comes in gold and black. Used it on my 62 Duntov in many cad plated parts. Clean first with Simple Green and remember a little R&B goes along way. purchased it at Michaels Crafts in Flint Michigan

[John D.]

Re: gas cap clean up

I agree with what Russ suggested. Easy and original looking. Just have the cap cadmium plated.
But don't try to have most radiator caps cad plated. Some have an aluminum rivet holding them together. Cad plating process will melt the aluminum. JD