VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Body - Sheet Metal, Paint & Wood 1932 door latch and window regulator

Sorry if this is a simple question ... What would you guys recommend cleaning 88 years of gunk, grease, rust and dirt from my 1932 door latch mechanism and window regulators? Then what to treat it with after getting it cleaned up so it doesn't rust? I assume some kind of de-greaser but not sure. Then should i paint, but that seems like it would not allow the mechanism to work smoothly ?
Thanks in advance for the advice ~ Don

I suggest some WD40 and a toothbrush for the cleaning.

I'm not sure about what to use for anti-rust treating that won't gum up the works. Maybe wipe the parts down with 3-in1 oil. I use this on my garden clippers and it seems to work okay.

Cheers, Dean

I soak window regulators in very hot water and Oil Eater for 24 hours then hose them off. They came out spotless. Dry them and rattle can black. relube and your good to go.

If you have rust after degreasing soak in Evapo-Rust solution. Follow directions on the product but keep in mind it needs to be at 70degrees or more to work. Once clean and free of rust oil the moving parts and paint with a rust preventive paint.

Thanks guys .. great suggestions. I'll give them a try.. really appreciate the advice! ~ don