How to deal with rusty shutter assemblies and other internal mechanisms?

[keithostertag]

I am slowly working my way through the learncamerarepair.com course and finally found a Kodak 100 Instamatic to work on (which is the first detailed camera example they describe).

Unfortunately the one I've found is really rusty inside. Some of the mechanics are inhibited from moving freely due to the rust, and of course some important parts are riveted so they can't be easily removed.

How do you deal with this kind of damage? Can I simply soak the entire assembly in vinegar for a few days to see if it will dissolve some of the rust after scraping what I can?

This particular camera isn't important to me, but I am using it to learn methods of cleaning and repair.

Thanks,
Keith

 

[shutterfinger]

Soak all metal parts in cider vinegar, shouldn't take more than an hour or two. Rinse the vinegar off with water, dry, then rub with a very light coat of oil.
Magnesium should only be left in the vinegar for 45 seconds to 1 minute. Corrosion on magnesium is a white crud.
Do not soak, glass, plastic, leather.

 

[keithostertag]

OK, thanks!
Got a suggestion for what to use to clean the rust off the plastic? Just wipe best I can, maybe using a toothbrush?

 

[shutterfinger]

Any rust on the plastic is discoloration from the rusty parts, a quick dip in the vinegar might help. I would use a stiff nylon bristle or brass bristle brush on the metal and nylon on the plastic.