Author Topic: Best way to restore disc rotors  (Read 4981 times)

Offline livetoride60

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Best way to restore disc rotors
« on: November 25, 2014, 01:38:18 AM »
I was wondering if anyone has some good ways to restore disc rotors?  (65 in this case).   They are still within spec, but wondering things like if it's ok use the normal process:  Evaporust, blast, finish, etc.  I've read about hydrogen embrittlement being a problem for critical parts for example, like when treating with phosphoric acid.  They have mild rust everywhere except the pad contact surface. 

Assume I'd have to have them turned after restoring, to leave a good contact surface as the last step.

Thanks,
Rich
'65 K code Fastback, 4sp, San Jose, 10/9/64
'66 C code Coupe, C4, Dearborn, 5/24/66
'67 Fairlane Convertible, 3sp, 200 I6

Offline CharlesTurner

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Re: Best way to restore disc rotors
« Reply #1 on: November 25, 2014, 08:43:58 AM »
Evapo rust is what I would start with.  Rinse off good, then apply a protectant to the non-pad surface.
Charles Turner - MCA/SAAC Judge
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Offline livetoride60

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Re: Best way to restore disc rotors
« Reply #2 on: November 25, 2014, 09:31:56 PM »
Any recommendations on protectant?  I've become a fan of Boeshield, but wondering if it will hold up to the heat, like a high heat paint might.
'65 K code Fastback, 4sp, San Jose, 10/9/64
'66 C code Coupe, C4, Dearborn, 5/24/66
'67 Fairlane Convertible, 3sp, 200 I6

Offline CharlesTurner

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Re: Best way to restore disc rotors
« Reply #3 on: November 26, 2014, 08:22:32 AM »
Shark-hide might be better for this, but I haven't used it on disc rotors.  The key to most of these products is making sure the surface is clean and all moisture removed.  I use a hand held MAP gas torch to remove the moisture, can actually see it coming off. 
Charles Turner - MCA/SAAC Judge
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Offline livetoride60

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Re: Best way to restore disc rotors
« Reply #4 on: November 26, 2014, 12:31:42 PM »
Thanks Charles.  I use a heat gun on full heat before I Boeshield.  However if you're using a gas torch, that may not be hot enough.
'65 K code Fastback, 4sp, San Jose, 10/9/64
'66 C code Coupe, C4, Dearborn, 5/24/66
'67 Fairlane Convertible, 3sp, 200 I6

Offline Bob Gaines

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Re: Best way to restore disc rotors
« Reply #5 on: November 26, 2014, 12:58:20 PM »
Thanks Charles.  I use a heat gun on full heat before I Boeshield.  However if you're using a gas torch, that may not be hot enough.
I have never seen the water wick out of the metal with a heat gun on full or otherwise like it does when you put a torch on the same thing ;) .
Bob Gaines,Shelby enthusiast, Shelby collector , Shelby concours judge SAAC,MCA,Mid America Shelby

Offline livetoride60

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Re: Best way to restore disc rotors
« Reply #6 on: November 26, 2014, 01:50:20 PM »
I have never seen the water wick out of the metal with a heat gun on full or otherwise like it does when you put a torch on the same thing ;) .

Good to know!
'65 K code Fastback, 4sp, San Jose, 10/9/64
'66 C code Coupe, C4, Dearborn, 5/24/66
'67 Fairlane Convertible, 3sp, 200 I6

Offline Anghelrestorations

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Re: Best way to restore disc rotors
« Reply #7 on: November 28, 2014, 06:34:20 PM »
I have actually been doing them a little different.  First need to clean them and bead blast them really really good to remove all corrosion and dirt and oil.  Then phosphating them (magnesium phosphate) and then tumble them to clean it up and then cut the rotor surfaces.  A light coat of BoeShield would be good but not really intended for a daily driver.  End result seems to hold up great as I have a set I have done on a car a few years ago that still look perfect.  Done the same with drum brakes. 

Some pictures:



Marcus Anghel
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Offline J_Speegle

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Re: Best way to restore disc rotors
« Reply #8 on: November 28, 2014, 06:43:11 PM »
I have actually been doing them a little different.  First need to clean them and bead blast them really really good to remove all corrosion and dirt and oil.  Then phosphating them (magnesium phosphate) and then tumble them to clean it up and then cut the rotor surfaces.  A light coat of BoeShield would be good but not really intended for a daily driver.  End result seems to hold up great as I have a set I have done on a car a few years ago that still look perfect.  Done the same with drum brakes. 

Looks good Marcus
Jeff Speegle

Anything worth doing is worth doing concours ;)

Offline livetoride60

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Re: Best way to restore disc rotors
« Reply #9 on: November 28, 2014, 06:59:41 PM »
I have actually been doing them a little different.  First need to clean them and bead blast them really really good to remove all corrosion and dirt and oil.  Then phosphating them (magnesium phosphate) and then tumble them to clean it up and then cut the rotor surfaces.  A light coat of BoeShield would be good but not really intended for a daily driver.  End result seems to hold up great as I have a set I have done on a car a few years ago that still look perfect.  Done the same with drum brakes. 

Look great Marcus.  Were the ones that held up so well BoeShield coated, and if so have you reapplied?  Also, is the car driven?  That's great if they still look that good after several years.
'65 K code Fastback, 4sp, San Jose, 10/9/64
'66 C code Coupe, C4, Dearborn, 5/24/66
'67 Fairlane Convertible, 3sp, 200 I6

Offline Anghelrestorations

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Re: Best way to restore disc rotors
« Reply #10 on: November 28, 2014, 10:37:13 PM »
Yes these were BoeShield coated.  That's a good product.  And to be fair this is a trailer queen so not driven at all.  But still holds up well.
Marcus Anghel
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SAAC National Head Judge, Boss Mustangs

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Offline Shasmu

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Re: Best way to restore disc rotors
« Reply #11 on: November 29, 2014, 12:43:25 AM »
Best way I've found to remove rust is having it baked & blasted, preferably by an engine rebuilder that uses stainless shot.
Shasta Mustang Supply
Redding, Ca

Offline blackjadeboss

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Re: Best way to restore disc rotors
« Reply #12 on: November 29, 2014, 09:34:23 AM »
Do you break down the hub from the rotor when you blast?

Take the bearing races out?

Offline CharlesTurner

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Re: Best way to restore disc rotors
« Reply #13 on: November 29, 2014, 10:52:44 AM »
Do you break down the hub from the rotor when you blast?

Take the bearing races out?

That would be best.
Charles Turner - MCA/SAAC Judge
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Offline Anghelrestorations

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Re: Best way to restore disc rotors
« Reply #14 on: November 29, 2014, 01:27:16 PM »
Yes....I take it completely apart otherwise you can't clean it perfect.  Just press it apart and remove the bearing races since you should replace the bearings anyway.
Marcus Anghel
MCA National Gold Card Judge, 69-71 Mustang
SAAC National Head Judge, Boss Mustangs

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