ideas on a cheap wash tub?
 

would like to clean rust off some 21 wire whls


any suggestions for an inexpensive wash tub that is at least say 25" round?


dont want to sandblast, just put vinegar in and forgetboutit!


would a 55 gallon drum be wide enough?


thx!

Re: ideas on a cheap wash tub?
 

in the past, i have used gastronorm containers, made from stainless steel and dead cheap. I don't know wether these are available in the US or if you have something similar...


Edit: sorry, even the biggest ones will be way to small...

Re: ideas on a cheap wash tub?
 

Check your local farm store

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/pr...l?cm_vc=-10005

Re: ideas on a cheap wash tub?
 

Buy a molded plastic kid's pool. Avoid the blowup one.

Re: ideas on a cheap wash tub?
 

Ronn, the most simple is to use 2x4 lumber and deck screws to frame the size you need. Then use heavy plastic (that comes on a roll) or a torn used pool liner to line the inside of the framework. Once the 'pickeling' process is complete, drain the liquid and disassemble the framework. Store until the next time you need to do the process and modify the framework to fit your needs for the next group of parts.

Re: ideas on a cheap wash tub?
 

As per Bruce above
Tractor supply has a 24” tub for $33.
Depends on definition of cheap

Re: ideas on a cheap wash tub?
 

you guys are firing on all 4 this morning......
why I come to the Barn, for ideas


Oldblue- went to tractor supply 2 weeks ago thinking just as you. looked at the tubs and thought a 21 whl wouldnt fit. I was wrong. so good choice.


the pool idea also went through my mind, but was thinking Ild use far too much vinegar to fill a small pool up. other thought was summer ended. where will I find that pool?


Brent you win for creativity. never gave that a thought........ good idea it is. can build to any size.


a 55 gallon drum was another idea. dont know if it would be wide enough for a 21 rim though?
so I have a few options. thanks for the ideas.

Re: ideas on a cheap wash tub?
 

I have a drum at the shop
Will measure diameter when I go back
As to the 24” tractor supply…noted it did have a taper toward the bottom so 21” likely would not nest to the bottom

Re: ideas on a cheap wash tub?
 

Large, plastic storage bin, you can get then at any Wallmart.

Re: ideas on a cheap wash tub?
 

Drill a hole in the rim to tap out all the accumulated rust (weld hole up later). Use 6 parts of water to 1 part molasses and leave in tub for 10 days, then pressure-wash and dry with a blow torch. Use rust-inhibiting penetrating oil to get right inside the rolled rim. Then prime and paint. Worked well for me.

Re: ideas on a cheap wash tub?
 

Re: ideas on a cheap wash tub?
 

How about vacuum storage bags? Put the wheel in, add vinegar, seal the bag and draw some of the air out. This would reduce the amount of vinegar used and the amount of evaporation.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/9-Pack-X5...e&athbdg=L1600

Re: ideas on a cheap wash tub?
 

yes Old blue, didnt look big enough to my eye. was thinking that would be fine for 19s.
looked up diameter of barrel and it is exactly 22.5 same size as whl, so prob wont work. was thinking I could use the metal barrel for other things like scrap fire.


didnt know I could get a tub that wide at walmart. will check that out as well.


cement mixing tub at vac bags both sound good. where does one buy molasses?
is better then or the same as the vinegar? I use the vinegar in my rads and gas tanks as well and has worked great for me, wo paying for evaporust at 90. for 5 gallons.

Re: ideas on a cheap wash tub?
 

Never tried vinegar, but molasses diluted with water works very well
for submerging rusty parts in.

Buy in bulk at a livestock supply store.

Re: ideas on a cheap wash tub?
 

Large concrete mixing tub from box home store.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Plasgad-...102C/205451585

They also work really good as oil catch pans when breaking down an engine on an engine stand.

Re: ideas on a cheap wash tub?
 

Most true farm stores will have large quantities of molasses. It is used as cattle feed. Brent's idea of wooden frame covered with plastic is the best one. I use that idea in my greenhouse to create whatever size water reservoir I need. I use EPDM rubber, it'll hold up to some serious abuse. That you can get at a Home Depot or Menards.

Re: ideas on a cheap wash tub?
 

very good. hit walmart last night for a large plastic bin. nothing even close there.


next is the cement tray and hopefully, maybe a metal barrel. could use it for scrap fires on the side.


thanks for the info on the molasses.
If all else fails, will build one per Brents instructions

Re: ideas on a cheap wash tub?
 

I have never tried the Molasses method but I have researched enough about it to understand that it is very slow and it smells 'rank'. Those two would be enough for me to not be interested, plus because it likely will attract critters (snakes, bugs, rodents, et/al) I probably would not be interested in having those around as a by-product of the molasses.

Because of the above, I honestly think you wouldn't go wrong in investing $60.00 in RUST911 to just get the job done correctly and in a day per each one vs. a week or two for each one.

Re: ideas on a cheap wash tub?
 

I have the heavy tub from TSC that we used to wash dogs in. Havent had the big dogs or used it for that for years but its still around and in good shape. That would def. do the trick. My other suggestion was going to be a mortar mixing tub from Lowes or HD but DanF beat me to it. Those are a bit cheaper than the TSC tub.

As far as building a frame and plastic, thats not a bad idea but unless you have the stuff laying around it will most likely be cheaper to buy a tub. A 1 lb. box of screws will be $7 -$10, 2 x 4's are around $7+ and I would think you would want to use at least 6 mil plastic. The smallest roll of that will set you back $70+. You could go to the dollar store and a get a 8x8 blue tarp for a couple of bucks but they are super thin and would very easily get a hole if not carefull.

Re: ideas on a cheap wash tub?
 

These are definitely large enough. New or reconditioned they are expensive but they are generally available from construction sites or recycle centers. Cut the top of and its even big enough to submerse an entire block in.