rust in fuse box

[Frank Murch]

1963 cadillac.  The fuse box under the dash is rusted.  It is always thin but it is on the fuse clips and also behind the box.  This box is black with white letters.  I would like to remove the rust, but getting a wire wheel in there seems hard.  Using chemicals that do not effect the plant or the white lettering is a little risky.  How can these be cleaned to get the conductivity back.  Any ideas??

[Cees de Bunje]

Perhaps a gentle blast from the sandblaster?

[2o93f8rdftyzj]

I believe, that either Russ or Jason, or both, have new clips for the fuse box.

Our fuzzy box had a short go through it long before I owned the car. I had a sparkie wire in a brand new late model fuse box. It now takes those little push and play units.

I also have fusible links fitted to the car, in the event of a major electrical failure.

I'd be in tears if my Fleetwood caught fire for any reason.

  

[Frank Murch]

I think I figured it out - The clips can be removed and then a dremel tool with a wire brush will get it.  Later I see that you do not have to take the longer ones out at all.  I filled the clean surfaces with dielectric grease to prevent rust, and replaced the fuses.  The headlights now work. 

[3ft7bqmb7dryo]

That looks like a good cleaning method. The clips are not pitted, so that is a good thing.

I used a ball file in a Dremel tool before. But that takes away the surface area. Once it is bad enough, replacing the clips is the only way.  I did put in a new type fuse box before I found the new clips.

I have them as a kit or I can rebuild yours.  It takes crush rivets and clips to rebuild a fuse box.

[Frank Murch]

I might be back for the new clips, but I loaded it with dielectric grease to stop the rust.  For the moment, I am fine.  I have a wiring issue I will start a new thread for.  The dimmer foot switch causes the interior lights to go out.