Lock down bar mech. advice

[Pajo]

Hi,

I'm refurbing my cabinet lock down bar mechanism, and need some advice on the lever component (see photo).

In the photo, the right hand side of the part that attaches to the lever is bent upwards and I'm not sure if it is meant to be that way or not. Advice appreciated.

Also, what do people do after the cleaning and polishing to stop further rusting from happening.
 
Thanks

[Pinprick]

(1) Flatten out that bend!
(2) Spray the job with "aluminium" Rust Guard if you want an original look.
(3) When dry, give it a shot of lithium grease spray (avoids stains)
(4) Obviously, align tongues on lockdown bar . . .
(5) Adjust bar height/seating snugness using the two brass screws.

That's what I do - always works wonders.

[Strangeways]

+1 - Max has it covered.

You can tread it with Ranex Rustbuster - but it needs rust or corrosion to be present to actually work. The chances of it rusting up again are fairly low unless you live next to saltwater etc !

[Pajo]

Thanks guys,

Sounds like great advice. 

I live about 15km from the ocean but it's surprising how fast things rust around here.  I tumbled some coach bolts that had a little rust on the cup heads as an experiment a couple of months ago. Whilst they looked great when they came out the tumbler, they are already rusty again so I'm going to have to be careful about rust protection.

I think my method will need to go something like:

1) kill any rust with ranex
2) clean up & polish
3) protect with al & li spray or paint with rust guard type product for coloured finish.

I did see some silver coloured zinc 'cold gal' spray in a hardware store and was wondering about that so it's good to hear about something that people have actually used, works and looks good.