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Military Tailight Interior Corrosion

Discussion in 'Flat Fender Tech' started by DanStew, Jan 18, 2022.

  1. DanStew

    DanStew Preowned Merkin salesman Staff Member

    I got a set of taillights to use on my M38. One light is fine, but the other has this whiteish powdery corrosion on the reflector half of the light. How do i get rid of this? Since the thing is a wierd alloy I am a bit clueless. image0.jpeg
     
    DanStew, Jan 18, 2022
    #1
  2. Jw60

    Jw60 That guy 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    is that not zinc plated aluminum?
    Not being an expert I would us baking soda paste and brush like you would battery corrosion. Then hit it with shiny paint.
     
    Last edited: Jan 18, 2022
    Jw60, Jan 18, 2022
    #2
    ojgrsoi likes this.
  3. timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Could be either a zinc alloy (pot metal) or aluminum. Certainly a drop of pool acid on the metal will detect zinc: HCl + Zn -> H2 + ZnCl. It'll fizz like AlkaSeltzer or Fizzies. This is a destructive test, so don't go wild with the acid.

    In my experience aluminum can oxidize and will be pitted and feel grainy. As above, scrub with a toothbrush and paint it. Not sure the soda paste will do anything other than be a mild abrasive. Won't hurt - wash with water and dry.
     
    timgr, Jan 19, 2022
    #3
  4. jeeper50

    jeeper50 jeeps 'till I die

    Walnut shell blast it, then spray it with zinc chromate
     
    jeeper50, Jan 20, 2022
    #4
    Jw60 likes this.