Tail light and marker light housings

[Kory Fox]

I am having Mr. Mcbride in Florida make me new wiring harnesses for my '48. I have to send him, among other things, the tail light and marker light housings. Mine are pretty nasty so I want to clean them up before I send them. What is the best way to do that? Also, should they be painted? If so, what type of paint and what color?

Thanks,
Kory

[joefrazer]

They were originally stamped steel with a coating to prevent rust. I'd use a silver paint...but be careful not to paint inside the light socket or you'll interrupt the continuity and the bulbs won't work. I use Rustoleum paint...it holds up better than the cheap stuff like Krylon and most anything sold at Wally world...

[Kory Fox]

What's the best way to get them cleaned up?

Kory

[dpledger]

For cleaning I'd start with wire brushing-this generally does a pretty good job.

[Doc]

accesible areas to remove the rust, you might try some Evapo-Rust liquid or there is a gel that can be brushed on and then rinsed off....available at parts stores.  Both are good products.