Removing corrosion on Frame of 637 Airweight

[mickey73]

My daughter has a 637 airweight that my son-in-law has obviously not taken care of. The last time that I saw it 4 years ago it was pristine. Since then corrosion has formed in several spots on the frame (mainly on the backstrap).

Can this corrosion be removed without damaging the finish? If so, what is the proper method to use? I have considerd steel wool, but am worried that it may damage the finish.

 

[mickey73]

My daughter has a 637 airweight that my son-in-law has obviously not taken care of. The last time that I saw it 4 years ago it was pristine. Since then corrosion has formed in several spots on the frame (mainly on the backstrap).

Can this corrosion be removed without damaging the finish? If so, what is the proper method to use? I have considerd steel wool, but am worried that it may damage the finish.

 

[JohnK]

A 637 Airweight would have an aluminum frame, so it isn't rust.

Someone chime in, I assume the frame is clear coated, or anodized.

Any harsh cleaning will remove both.

I wouldn't use anything more aggressive than Break-Free, and an old T-shirt.

 

[mickey73]

A 637 Airweight would have an aluminum frame, so it isn't rust.

Someone chime in, I assume the frame is clear coated, or anodized.

I know that aluminum cannot rust, but it can oxidize and form "white rust". I know that from my days of working in the metals industry.

Yes, my main concern is that it is protected with a clear coat or other coating. If it is, then steel wool will remove this protective coating.

I have had to resort to steel wool on aluminum motorcycle parts that have oxidized. The look is not quite the same after steel wool.

Does anyone know if the aluminum frame on the 637 is coated?

 

[Alk8944]

Regardless of the finish, if there is corrosion on the metal the finish is already damaged, so there isn't an issue from that standpoint. Depends on what you want when you are done, polish with Scotchbrite then an aluminum polish followed by a clear overcoat available from Brownells. Other choices are send it to S&W, Robar, or one of the other for a full refinish. Do you want it to look new or just functional?

 

[sar4937]

I think you can use a product intended for aluminum wheels (oxalic acid) to remove the corrosion without the scuffing, it will eat the corrosion only. But I'm not sure what sort of finish you have left, and it will need to be protected. Birchwood-Casey makes an aluminum black the guys use on AR's for touch-up. It might be a flatter finish than desired. Also if only the backstrap is the problem, there are grips that cover the backstrap. The corrosion needs to be stabilzed though. As far as whether it's coated or not, anodizing is a surface treatment and paint is applied and will chip. Steel wool should NEVER be used on aluminum as it imbeds into the surface and causes further problems. Use Scotchbrite.

 

[mickey73]

Thanks to all for your responses. I just gave the 637 a good cleaning with Break-Free and gave it back to my daughter.

Guess I should not be surprised at the condition of the pistol as my son-in-law has screwed up just about every tool that I have ever loaned him.

 

[wheelgun1958]

The only true way to remove corrosion from an aluminum casting is to grind until all pits are removed, which I am sure you don't want to do. If left unchecked it may grow, even if cleaned and/or painted over. Maybe a trip to S&W is in store.