Rust stains on plastic?

Hey team,

I'm switching over from an Allpro bedrack to a Softopper after about 2 years of running the rack. After pulling it off the bed, I noticed the bed rail caps are stained from rust where the paint on the rack had worn off. I've scrubbed it with gentle cleaners I had on hand (simple green and WD-40, separately) but the stains seem pretty embedded.

Any advice on what might do the trick without damaging the paint/rubber on the bedsides when it inevitably gets washed down the side?

 

I would use a green scotchbrite and some vinegar. Tape off the bedside with some painter's tape and have a rag handy when you do.

 

You tried CLR?

 

maybe a clay bar or some iron remover?

 

Ah didn't realize CLR was safe for clear coat, always thought it was pretty harsh. Might give that a shot if the vinegar after spot testing the vinegar. Should probably rewax the bed sides anyway with the break in UT weather.

 

Remove caps, degrease and paint with trim paint.

 

Iron x will remove that. May take a few applications and is safe for paint if it gets on there.

 

Years ago, I worked at Rubbermaid Commercial Products, making the big tilt trucks, which are plastic, rotational molded carts like you see janitors using in the malls. Sometimes when we started up a new mold, they'd have some rust in them that transferred to the plastic during the first few shots.
We used Naval Jelly on a rag, and it removed the rust really well. I don't think you want to get it on your paint though.

 

Absolutely not. There is no reason to even entertain that process and risk damaging any surrounding paint.

 

Saw this too, it was the inspiration for WD-40 but I dont think I want to go any harsher with chemicals that aren't intended for this. Vinegar worked alright with scotchbrite, probably going to pick up some CLR down the line or some sort of iron remover.

 

I wouldn’t try to get it on the paint…just on the caps

 

You can always swap to KBvoodoo metal while they still make it

 

Noooooo! Iron-X or similar products will work just fine. just give them some time.