Dave Smith's Freelander

davidsmith1307 said:

Considering how rusty my calipers are I am going to try an experiment that has worked well for me in the past on bike parts.
I'm going to leave the calipers and holders to soak in an oxalic acid bath for a few days. I shall report back on success/failure.

Click to expand...

You could use electrolysis to clean them up. It works wonders if you have plenty of time

LUKBENPHI said:

I'm pondering a FL restoration/Tinkering toy currently where do you find these bargains? lol

Click to expand...

I picked up an 05 SE auto with 111K for 2300 a couple of weeks ago. It's not perfect but it's good enough for daily use. It has a Webasto sunroof too! Keep looking, you'll find what you want.

Oxalic acid takes a few days. They can soak while I do the timing belt etc.
There are some nice results on a scooby forum I looked at.

davidsmith1307 said:

Oxalic acid takes a few days. They can soak while I do the timing belt etc.
There are some nice results on a scooby forum I looked at.

Click to expand...

I've heard of it but not tried it myself. What's the finish like once done.
I have used electrolysis because it's easy to get the caustic soda used for the process.
Where does one get Oxalic acid from?

The trattors swear by vinegar

Alibro said:

The trattors swear by vinegar

Click to expand...

But that's just to drink, or use as aftershave.

Nodge68 said:

I've heard of it but not tried it myself. What's the finish like once done.
I have used electrolysis because it's easy to get the caustic soda used for the process.
Where does one get Oxalic acid from?

Click to expand...

You can buy crystals on theBay. It has other uses such as for cleaning decking and, oddly, beekeeping. I didn't know bees went rusty though

Caliper holder well and truly rusted on. Time to treat myself to a set of impact sockets, a long breaker bar and possibly an impact wrench.
Time to get medieval.

davidsmith1307 said:

Caliper holder well and truly rusted on. Time to treat myself to a set of impact sockets, a long breaker bar and possibly an impact wrench.
Time to get medieval.

Click to expand...

All of the above are a prerequisite for Landy ownership. Even the less rusty Landy's.
BTW I bought a Clarke 240V impact wrench and it is pretty good. Not as good as a good air gun but gets crank pulley bolts out everytime (so far) Not bad for 60 notes

Don't have the space or patience for a compressor so the Clarke one will do me.
Need a good angle grinder too.

davidsmith1307 said:

Don't have the space or patience for a compressor so the Clarke one will do me.
Need a good angle grinder too.

Click to expand...

Go for the MacAlister 125mm one in B&Q. It has soft start, speed control and is very torquey even on low speed. For £40 you can't go wrong.

With a 125mm grinder with speed control you can use these.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Job-Lot-Angle-Grinder-125mm-Wire-Brush-Box-of-12-PRICE-DROP/191794097311?_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850&_trkparms=aid=222007&algo=SIC.MBE&ao=1&asc=20140107083358&meid=bbc526d4af6147bba5ebd6952378dc11&pid=100011&rk=1&rkt=1&sd=191743520214
Theyre very good for less than £2 each

I bought a second hand Dewalt 240v Impact gun, it's great but it has 2 options, undo the bolt or snap it off. It's removed a few crank bolts others have failed to move

Have to check its set to undo before you press the trigger

For really tight or rusted bolts. It's hard to beat heat and a long lever.

I shall buy some of each
Power tools may have to wait until I have paid for the rusty hulk itself though. I believe divorce can get quite expensive....

Fat man + 2ft bar + impact socket = success.

Caliper holder off and into the acid bath. Here are the 'before' pics


I'll have a look in 24 hours. If it is working then I'll strip the caliper itself and in it goes.
I'm going to replace the flexible hoses so is it enough to fold them back on themselves and cable tie them to stop all the fluid p1ss1ng out?

davidsmith1307 said:

Fat man + 2ft bar + impact socket = success.

Caliper holder off and into the acid bath. Here are the 'before' pics

I'll have a look in 24 hours. If it is working then I'll strip the caliper itself and in it goes.
I'm going to replace the flexible hoses so is it enough to fold them back on themselves and cable tie them to stop all the fluid p1ss1ng out?

Click to expand...

Sadly not as will still leak out best bet is a flexi clamp while the calipers off then when the time comes to remove the flexi if the main pipe is exposed just use a rubber bleed nipple cover off the caliper( if still present) on the end of the main pipe it will still drip but wont **** out massively while you change the flexi

If I'm changing the flexi (and the fluid) I don't suppose it matters what I do to it to stop it leaking...

True Keeps the garage floor cleaner at least

I usually bung a bit of rubber hose in the banjo and if necessary push a bolt into it to tighten it up. Works a treat and no drips with the caliper off for days.