what is the best way to get the rust off the gelcoat (i.e. around cleats and other metal) ? what is the best cleaner for the t-top frame (I think it’s aluminum) ? Thanks in advance
Bars keepers friend for gelcoat rust,you will need to rewax after using it…
Nothing abrasive on the aluminum,
Wink takes off rust. I’ve used it for years.
Ken
wink…havent had that stuff in years…is it still made lol
“Fish On”
Active ingredient in Bar Keepers Friend is oxallic acid.
Another great product in liquid form is Goof Off Rust Remover. Active ingredient is oxallic acid and hydroflouric acid. Spray on, rinse off.
Oxallic acid will damage chrome plated items if not rinsed immediately.
Spray adjacent vegetation with water prior to and after use. Cleans rust stains from irrigation systems on siding, driveways (concrete) etc.
As with any chemical, read and follow product label directions.
thanks for the advice.
where do you find wink - is that a marine product ?
i have been using the wal-mart version of the non-skid cleaner with ptef and then occasional woodys on the nonskid/gel coat and the aluminum of the t-top. does that sound reasonable ? I have also had a problem with some bright pink spots on the vinyl cushions - nothing seems to take it out including acetone. thoughts ?
Sea Hunt Triton 225
Active ingredient in Whink is hydroflouric acid.
All of these products will etch glass and ferrous metals if not rinsed pronto.
BKF and Goof Off Rust Remover available at Lowe’s.
Pink spots are mildew, different animal.
These products are not made for aluminum, depending upon concentration and duration, they will dull aluminum and damage anodized surfaces.
Read and follow label directions!
Pink is a mold/mildew.
A guy on THT said he used Ortho Rose Fungicide, left on a few days, rinsed off, problem solved.
Do not use acetone on vinyl/plastic.
Just be careful on any aluminum (T-Top, Hard-Top or Leaning Post) frame. The tubing is anodized before it is cut and welded together to form the top. The anodized tubing holds up pretty well to cleaners (be careful with abrasives), but the areas where the tubing is welded together is simply coated with silver paint, so be careful not to rub through. If you have stains or corrosion in the wleded areas, you may need to clean it down to bare aluminum, inspect the welds and re-coat them with some new silver paint as per the manufacturer’s recommendation …
Thanks, Captain Ross
http://T-Topless.com folding, stainless steel T-Top fits most center console boats
http://ShadowTop.com entry level (Do-It-Yourself) T-Topless kit
http://Montauk-T-Topless.com for Boston Whaler Montauk, Dauntless or Outrage
http://Flats-Top.com Shade for Flats Boats
http://RNR-Marine.com/Canvas.shtml Factory Original-Equipment (OEM) replacement Sunbrella canvas for Sea Pro, McKee Craft, Sea Hunt, Boston Whaler, Key West, Cobia, Sea Fox, Grady White, Sea Ray, Pioneer, Tidewater, Mariah, Baha Cruisers, Sea Boss, Palmetto Custom & more…</font id=“size1”>
Drop your top and go T-Topless! T-Topless@RNR-Marine.com
Thanks IM4USC (me too) and T-Top
Do you guys think any typical boat soap followed by woody’s is a reasonable combination ? I see there are some aluminum cleaners available at west marine
Sea Hunt Triton 225