Old metal question

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Old metal question

Postby csamson » Sat Jan 05, 2013 11:37 am

Here are some pictures of the 60 Metz metal.

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How do you know when it's gone bad? It's got divits but I see no cracks, breaks or any seperation at the welds. The pictures above is me going over it with a steel "brush wheel". TY very much for any and all advice. I don't want to waste a gob of time but I'm a big boy and it would seem it's fine 8)

ty,
chad
Last edited by csamson on Thu Jan 10, 2013 6:23 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Old metal question

Postby Corwin C » Sat Jan 05, 2013 11:53 am

If you don't mind the "hammered" finish, finish cleaning it up, give it a shot of new paint and continue building. You're going the right direction to clean it up well and check thoroughly for cracks, broken welds, etc. In your choice of paint, I would recommend using a paint/primer designed for use on rusty metal.
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Re: Old metal question

Postby KCStudly » Sat Jan 05, 2013 12:12 pm

Rather than a grinder, think about using a wire wheel; that way you are not taking any more metal away (safety glasses, face shield and dust mask are not optional!). If your time is more valuable and you are pulling the cabin apart/off, you may want to consider going to a bare frame and having it blasted. It would be more effective at eradicating the rust and preparing the surface for a good bond with your paint of choice. A lot easier to get to everything and work on it, too.

If the pitting is just light, does not thin the metal and does not create a flaw on an edge where a tear or crack can start, then it is probably okay; you will have to be the judge or get someone experienced to take a first hand look for you.

A bunch of deeper pits, thinning and/or flaws at the edges can weaken the metal a bunch.

The coupler area looks fine to me. The areas underneath aren't as good (duh, stating the obvious :? ), but I don't see anything too scary in the pics that you have shown.

If you are doing a "historical restoration" you can probably save it all, but if you are building an heirloom camper for reliability to have fun in for many years, I would take a serious look at everything and consider replacing any suspect pieces. If you find any major issues... well, we can address those when they show up.

In the end it will probably be fine, and I have not helped you in the least at making a decision, have I? $.02
Last edited by KCStudly on Sat Jan 05, 2013 7:40 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Old metal question

Postby csamson » Sat Jan 05, 2013 1:36 pm

TY both for the replies. I'm not a metal man by any means so I value your opinons. I am using a wire wheel now, not a grinder. Sorry about the wrong terminology. I got it at Good Tools after a friend recommended just what you did. I do have someone I trust that I plan on letting have a look also. The metz is in such good shape I should only have to do what I've done thus far - http://60metzendorf.blogspot.com/ . TY again for the suggestions

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Re: Old metal question

Postby Bogo » Wed Jan 09, 2013 3:10 pm

After wire wheeling, you may wish to make the first coat of paint a rust converter. Then paint a few normal coats on top of it. The rust converter paint will allow you to not need to remove 100% of the rust which will be impossible without sandblasting. Inside corners are hard to do without a sandblaster.
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Re: Old metal question

Postby csamson » Thu Jan 10, 2013 6:27 pm

TYVM for all the advice new friends, it's very much appreciated.

I am so torn between taking this trailer completely apart, redoing it from the tires up and putting it back together to last another 50 years. The walls are solid, the corners of the floor have that standard softness from the putty tape finally giving out but all in all I've replaced all the rot/possible mold. Really only needs a good sanding, fresh paint and new upgrades.





















but we all know that brand new walls, a brand new floor, brand new everything .... is well , just brand new!!! LOL, so torn.
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Re: Old metal question

Postby Rolly » Tue Feb 26, 2013 12:33 am

If you decide to use POR 15 be advised it will stick to everything including you. It will not wipe off, it will wear off after a few days. Buy cheep chip brushes from HF and just throw them away.

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Re: Old metal question

Postby Shadow Catcher » Tue Feb 26, 2013 6:41 am

There is no way to accurately assess the rust damage but I would not be overly concerned. The older trailers tend to be over built and the only area I would be concerned about is the area where the tongue goes under the front of the trailer. If that is in good condition I would say don't worry about it. My experience with rust converter is that it does not work well and I have used Zerorust http://www.zero-rust.com on the 1972 Saab Sonett I am restoring. Por 15 comes a close second in my experience.
If you are feeling concerned it would be a simple matter to reinforce using additional steel angle or I beam.
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Re: Old metal question

Postby csamson » Tue Feb 26, 2013 1:05 pm

TYVM for all the advice. We just finished our move and all that is left to do is to tack up the front and move it into the new garage where I'll either put it back together as is .... or take it all down, put in a brand spanking new floor, walls and ceiling. Thanks again new friends.

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