Rusty latch

[John Turuk]

Massey 555
This is the Radiator service Access door. The latch works. How would you prep the latch for paint?

John



 

[Mark Poss]

Sand blast cabinet?
 

[Stephen Newell]

I would sandblast it to clean as much rust off as you can. Then use an etching primer. The paint on the latch itself should be as thin as possible, perhaps use rattle can paint. Then when dry mask off the latch and paint the rest the same as the tractor. If possible I would remove the springs and replace them and leave them unpainted.
 

[John Turuk]

Thanks for the suggestions Stephen!!. I have a rattle can of self etching primer. Was wondering if you know of a rattle can brand and colour that would most approximate Massey Harris red? What about soaking the latch in rust converter?
 

[Stephen Newell]

There is probably more but I found this one in a google search https://www.tractorpartsasap.com/massey-harris-red-tractor-paint-aerosol-108368.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_6_XtZbm_QIVfBPUAR2TLQ60EAQYAiABEgLx2vD_BwE Since the latch is a moving part it would be better if it didn't have a thick enamel coating on it is why I recommended the rattle can.

It wouldn't hurt to put in some rust converter, I just didn't think the rust was bad enough to go that far. I think once the rust is cleaned off that would be good enough.