Why did this rust?

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

C10SLEY

Member
Joined
Nov 24, 2021
Posts
35
Reaction score
8
Location
Chesnee, SC
First Name
Caleb
Truck Year
1983
Truck Model
C10
Engine Size
383 stroker
Whilst bleeding my brakes, I left the lid off and brake fluid went everywhere. Sure. Fine. Whatever. I cleaned it up.
Couple days later I found this:

Why??
Should I tape and paint??
 

Attachments

  • 4F8C0993-C7AD-4785-9D79-8EE6FFFA9758.jpeg
    4F8C0993-C7AD-4785-9D79-8EE6FFFA9758.jpeg
    152.4 KB · Views: 65

nvrenuf

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 30, 2010
Posts
1,940
Reaction score
2,424
Location
Mobile, Al.
First Name
John
Truck Year
1991
Truck Model
K5
Engine Size
454
Brake fluid can remove paint so if you try to paint the m/c be careful to never spill a drop on it.

Your m/c most likely rusted because either the brake fluid or the cleaner you used removed the protective coating that keeps it from rusting in the box on the shelf.

Most m/c's have a rusted surface.
 

Grit dog

Full Access Member
Joined
May 18, 2020
Posts
6,937
Reaction score
12,166
Location
Auburn, Washington
First Name
Todd
Truck Year
1986, 1977
Truck Model
K20, C10
Engine Size
454, 350
First, bare cast iron oxidizes on the surface as quick as any steel.
Brake fluid itself won’t cause it to corrode ( but it eats paint). But the moisture that brake fluid absorbs (and traps) will make it corrode since brake fluid is hygroscopic.
Short answer, yes just paint it if you don’t like the rusty look.
 

fast 99

Full Access Member
Joined
Dec 31, 2021
Posts
2,005
Reaction score
2,887
Location
Spokane, Washington
First Name
Brian
Truck Year
81,85
Truck Model
K20
Engine Size
350
Brake fluid will melt spray paint. Although I haven't tried it would think Por 15 might work.
 

C10SLEY

Member
Joined
Nov 24, 2021
Posts
35
Reaction score
8
Location
Chesnee, SC
First Name
Caleb
Truck Year
1983
Truck Model
C10
Engine Size
383 stroker
I had no idea brake fluid would dissolve paint and absorb water. That is great to know.
As for POR15, I am getting some soon for the cab floor, so maybe I will do that, then I wouldn't have to tape anything, just hand paint it.
Will post updates here in a few months when i do paint. Just went through a MAJOR hassle of running new lines to the MC, and it's new MC, booster, hard lines to the proportioning valve and soft lines. Almost done except I'm struggling finding the right rod end to fix to the brake arm from the booster. Nevertheless, I'm close to having this project complete.
 

TPISly-C10

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 1, 2019
Posts
615
Reaction score
883
Location
Boucherville QC Canada
First Name
Sly
Truck Year
1986
Truck Model
C-10 shortbox
Engine Size
LQ4 6.0L
Whilst bleeding my brakes, I left the lid off and brake fluid went everywhere. Sure. Fine. Whatever. I cleaned it up.
Couple days later I found this:

Why??
Should I tape and paint??
thats why i change it for this one! :)
 

Attachments

  • _DSC4725.jpg
    _DSC4725.jpg
    111 KB · Views: 60

ali_c20

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 20, 2016
Posts
1,287
Reaction score
1,835
Location
Austria
First Name
Alexander
Truck Year
1974, 1979
Truck Model
C20, K5
Engine Size
350, 350
You need really tough paint. Many 2k paints are chemical resistant and withstand brake fluid. They often are available in small rattle cans.
Brake caliper paint should work too.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
44,079
Posts
948,945
Members
36,151
Latest member
rlfdavin
Top