does anyone know of a good solvent for cleaning brackets and pulleys? Once they are clean, should I repaint them or what?

 

For smaller parts I have a can of Berryman's part cleaner (should be able to find it at your local parts dealer). Here is a link:

http://www.berrymanproducts.com/Default.aspx?tabid=146

I also put some parts into a tumbler that I have to get surface rust and other junk off of it w/o too much effort. Bigger parts I use the old method of wire brush in my drill.

Hope this helps.

 

Yeah, carb cleaner works fairly well. Keep in mind, it will leave a residue. Once you've got them clean, I'd go over them with brakleen or lacquer thinner before painting them semi-gloss black.

 

I usually just use a wire brush in a drill to remove the heavy stuff and then clean them with laquer thinner before painting them!

 

All depends on how dirty they and and the dirt. General light cleaning I use Dawn dish soap. Spray it with brakeclean if its tougher and if that doesn't do it grinder/drill with a wirewheel. SOS pads/steelwool is cheap and works great also.

 

I use standard paint thinner, available at the hardware store for about 5 bucks a gallon. It disolves grease and grime pretty good. It is flammable, so use in a well ventilated area without a source of ignition. After clean up, paint the pulleys with a nice black lacquer ( spray can).

 

I always use Simple Green to clean any grease or oil off my parts. Then as mentioned earlier, I will rub everything down with a thinner before painting. I will thenspray the pieces with a primer, wait three days, then paint.