Painting cast iron before it rusts?
 

I purchased a used cast iron, deep sump oil pan for my 1450. The ISO mounts are worn out (squished flat) and the stock oil pan is already rubbing. Since I’m already pulling the engine to replace the mounts, seems like a good time to also upgrade the pan and add some weight up front :)

Anyhow, the cast iron pan needs to be degreased, cleaned and then repainted. The issue is that EVERY time I try to clean cast iron, it rusts so fast I couldn’t hope to paint it. Last night is a good example. I inherited a bench vise from my dad and it was filthy from years of use. I’m sick of it being nasty, so I decided to clean it. I hosed it down with a “purple” cleaner, then rinsed the cleaner off with cool water. I then dried all the pieces by hand and then put them in the oven to dry. It still came out with surface rust all over it.

What’s the secret to cleaning and then painting cast iron?

Thanks!

-Calvin

Once you have done the soap and water clean, go over the piece with a fine wire brush, preferably powered by a drill or angle grinder.. Then rinse it off with carb cleaner, brakekleen or lacquer thinner (any solvent that won't leave a residue.) Blow dry with an air hose, and paint.