[CGP]

I have an AK-74 gas tube that's been badly corroded on the inside. I'd like to get some advice on salvaging this piece. I though about using a dremel with a long soft brass/nylon/metal brush to remove all that build-up inside. Then paint the inside with some high-heat spray paint. I'm not sure if this is the right way to restore it.

Any advise on restoration methods, materials, and paint brands would be helpful.

Here's a pic of the gas tube:

Thanks!

 

[Bonehead]

hoppes will probably work if you soak it in.

if not you can probably use transmission fluid.

or CLR cleaner.

maybe... I don't know that I would want a power tool in it.

you can buy new ones for not too expensive though so if you mess it up it shouldn't be a big deal to replace it.

 

[CGP]

hoppes will probably work if you soak it in.

if not you can probably use transmission fluid.

or CLR cleaner.

maybe... I don't know that I would want a power tool in it.

you can buy new ones for not too expensive though so if you mess it up it shouldn't be a big deal to replace it.

I can certainly pick one up for $15. That's not the problem. This is more of an education for me. I figured if I can get this crap off, then I'd feel more confident tackling other rust problems (say, a gas block).

This gas tube was from a recently acquired bulgarian AK-74. The previous owner shot corrosive ammo and did not bother to clean the gas tube. Fortunately, it was the only casualty. Everything else looks clean. Probably has to do with the chrome-lining (barrel, gas block, muzzle brake).

I tried the following method and did not help any, except remove the carbon buildup.
- wash all the corrosive salts with hot water, then dry (tried windex too)
- soaked in brake cleaner (more to remove the carbon)
- soaked in CLP
- elbow grease with brass and nylon brush
- wiped with Eezox

My thought was that I was not going deep enough and the corrosive salts are baked in there underneath all that gunk that I could not remove. No matter how much lubing and chemicals I put, it just comes back up after 24 hours.

 

[Bonehead]

automatic transmission fluid for a car is pretty tough stuff. I have seen it eat coatings off of things and leave a nice shiny metal substrate.

if you plan to refinish it anyway you can maybe soak it overnight then clean it with brake parts cleaner.

you are gonna want to not get it on anything you want to keep a coating on though, like your pretty chrome lined barrel.

 

[CGP]

automatic transmission fluid for a car is pretty tough stuff. I have seen it eat coatings off of things and leave a nice shiny metal substrate.

if you plan to refinish it anyway you can maybe soak it overnight then clean it with brake parts cleaner.

you are gonna want to not get it on anything you want to keep a coating on though, like your pretty chrome lined barrel.

I really don't want to lose the finish tho. It matches the finish of the gun and the exterior is spotless.

Worst case, I need to look into that. The good thing is that this is just the gas tube. All I have to do is remove the wood upper and it's good to go.

 

[Bonehead]

have you tried hoppes?

 

[CGP]

have you tried hoppes?

Yes.

 

[Bonehead]

you could maybe take it to a metal shop with a media blaster and have them clean it out. most places that do mufflers and brakes would have a blaster.

 

[CGP]

you could maybe take it to a metal shop with a media blaster and have them clean it out. most places that do mufflers and brakes would have a blaster.

Never thought about that. Probably would blast everything, including the outside. I'd probably use it as a last resort. Would need to know what's a good sealer/paint that high heat rated to do the finish inside and outside.

 

[Bonehead]

if I were to need to blast mine... I would disassemble the whole thing, have it blasted down and get it duracoated. (tastefully of course)

 

[insatiable ONE]

Submerge it in vinegar, in all glass container / glass lid also

Next day rust should be gone.

Sent from my CrackBerry using Tapatalk

 

[CGP]

Submerge it in vinegar, in all glass container / glass lid also

Next day rust should be gone.

Sent from my CrackBerry using Tapatalk

Just watched some vids on the subject. Pretty interesting results. I also saw some people doing electrolysis which had equally impressive results. Thanks!

 

[blefferd]

Naval Jelly

 

[CGP]

Naval Jelly

I saw that at Lowe's. It said it will remove the blueing and rust. I wonder if I can somehow tape the outside and put some jelly on the inside?

I went and bought a can of Rust-oleum High Heat Primer to use when I remove the rust. Has anyone used this?

 

[blefferd]

I saw that at Lowe's. It said it will remove the blueing and rust. I wonder if I can somehow tape the outside and put some jelly on the inside?

I went and bought a can of Rust-oleum High Heat Primer to use when I remove the rust. Has anyone used this?

It will remove everything, they have differnt classes of it. Tape should be protect the out side, I would remove the Hand guard and just tape the whole thing on the outside real well and use an acid brush to apply it on the inside.

Its basically an acid.

 

[Bonehead]

for Naval Jelly I would get a disposable mop (i think 12 ga fits the tube), and use a small amount of it on the mop in a very controlled way.

 

[Stogies]

Personally I would just replace it and then you know the new part is perfect.

 

[AwPhuch]

Its an AK GAS TUBE!!!

Run a 12ga bore brush thru it a few times, then a 12ga bore patch...then slap it on a AK and shoot the bejesus out of it...

Its an AK!!!

 

[CGP]

Its an AK GAS TUBE!!!

Run a 12ga bore brush thru it a few times, then a 12ga bore patch...then slap it on a AK and shoot the bejesus out of it...

Its an AK!!!

I know that. I can pick one up for $15. That's not what I'm after. Im more interested in best practices on how to remove rust and keep it off.

I have another potential issue that I'm hoping to prevent corrosion - like an AK gas block. I can't just replace that. I'm hoping I can learn from this gas tube and perhaps work on a bit bigger problem.

By the way, I did try all kinds of brushes and my stash of chemicals and it just keeps coming back. So obviously I'm not doing something right.

 

[Bonehead]

I have another potential issue that I'm hoping to prevent corrosion - like an AK gas block. I can't just replace that.

why not?

if you get into gas block issues you can buy a new barrel with a gas block installed for not too much money.


are you expecting a gas block problem? :|