galvanized headlight buckets

[rich hourigan]

Hey guys, just wondering what to use to clean the galvanized metal, they look pretty good but have some sort of dirt/stains on them.My plan is to clean them as good as i can and then possibly some clear over them.... ive already soaked them in hot water and dawn soap followed by a scrubbing with a toothbrush, id like to clean them better if you guys have any suggestions....Rich

 

[Islandkent]

Vinegar does wonders but be careful it will wash off the galvanize coat off if you let them soak too long. So don't let them soak. When I wash parts I dip and scrub with a toothbrush and dip and wash with soap to get the vinegar off. Then do it again over and over again. Small steps because you don't want wash the stuff clean. Be careful. It does work. Maybe try googling first and watch a video or two.
Did I mention to be careful. Try it on some practice pieces first. But it does work.
Somebody else might chime in with a better solution. Maybe less risky. I would hate to be the cause of you washing off your galvanizing coating. Like I said really slow. I did mine right in the kitchen sink with a container of vinegar and soap. And the sink full of soapy water to wash it right off. And yes I remember, I did rinse them in milk. Then dry them. I used a hair dryer and they seemed to brighten right up when dry.
I never did my light buckets yet but I did do my license light bracket and rear clearance light housings in the trunk and turned out super. I did clean my front marker light housing but the corrosion got the best of them and going to paint them some silver color that will closely match I hope.

 

[Builderguy]

Rich,

This is what I use and have had pretty good luck and looks from it. Just be sure to shake the living %$#@# out of it and to spray in light coats. Looks great but might be a touch darker than factory. I did some turn signal buckets with it and I did both sides so they would match. If I remember right it was less than $20

 

[Chargerjase]

I cleaned my headlight buckets with 0000 wire wool and some Mother’s polish. So long as you take your time and go gently, it comes up beautifully. I will see if I can find my reference pictures and post them up.