Grab Handles and Such...

First, a revisit of the seat railings, which spent the night in the electrolytic de-rusting solution.  They came out rust free, as expected.  They were given a thorough drying/cleaning, then coated with Bondo automotive body filler.  Tomorrow the railings will be sanded smooth and primed.

Mounting plate and nut did not require resurfacing so were simply primed.

Okay!!  On to the grab handles!

Externally, the grab handles are both useful and ornamental.  Internally, they are part of the seat bracing system.  Overall, they are heavily rusted.  The brace part was covered with a very nice "modern" (1960's maybe?) vinyl upholstery job.  As you can see, the fasteners are failing.  Just like the pinstriping job on the crappy paint...nice upholstery over failing hardware and dry rot.  I love this hobby!

Hmm, well, Blogger is not going to allow me to post text alongside the above photo, so the format changes a little bit.  Anyway, the right hand brace is a bit more securely attached, but is infinitely more rusty!

The grab handle/braces have been removed and prepared for the electrolyte bath.  

Unfortunately, I did a little "fingernail test" to an area of the wood on the seat and found a larger area of rot under the paint...yes, of course...  Still, nothing terminal.  Once the metal work has all been resurfaced and protected, I'll go after the wood.