Headlight bucket Rust removal

[randy73]

I have some seriously heavy rust on both buckets, was going to try muriatic acid, as I am using that on an gas tank from another car. So I have an two part question, for stamped steel, what percetage og HCI to water should I use and has anybody used bodyfiller to cover up the pit marks?

Thanks,

[b5blue]

I'd use OSPHO. 

[Dmichels]

I never liked acid for rust removal. It always seamed like you could never completely neutralize the acid. Sand blasting is always good. But if you you do not have that equipment you could try electrolysis. There are instructions all over the internet. I never tried it but everybody raves about it. All you need is a plastic tub, battery charger and some borax. The battery charger needs to be the old type as the current sensing ones do not give out juice unless it is connected to a battery. I would try this before acid.
Dave

[ODZKing]

Navel gel has worked for me but I have to say, it is a process.
No one sees them but if you want quite clean one, new or used in nice shape is the answer.
I have extras but again they have some rust.

[Canadian1968]

I having been using a product called Evapo-rust.  You can buy it at Canadian Tire and other stores up here in Canada, not sure exactly where to get it in the US.  But this stuff is actually pretty amazing.  degrease, maybe try removing some of the heavy rust with a skotch brite pad.  But other than that , all you do is let the part soak. You will see it start to work after just 2 hours I usually leave it over night. 

Best of all is its super safe, can stick your hand right in it, and pour it down the drain when your done !!

[ODZKing]

Yep, we have it here as well. Harbor freight has it among other places but it is pricey for how much you need to soak items, especially big ones.
But I have to say, it does work.  One thing I found however, if you don't do anything with the item almost immediately after, it starts rust quickly again.

[b5blue]

I've used OSPHO over 20 years and had zero issues. Dealing with boats and salt water here in Florida is where I found out about it. It's much faster acting and you do need to be careful. Keeping wet continues the rust removal and wiping it dry at the end of treatment eliminates a film buildup. Scuff well and clean then prime/top coat done.