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[smigenboger]

A lot of my engine's bolts and screws look corroded, and I wonder if I could use a cleaner such as CLR to make them more aesthetically pleasing.

[Astramancer]

They're probably not so much corroded as covered in grime.  If they're actually corroded ... that's a bad thing.  Just about the only thing that should get corroded is one of the terminal connections on your battery (positive, I think).  And even that shouldn't get too corroded.

[hemmingjay]

If the car is more than 7 years old I would advise to be careful when cleaning the engine. Some of that gunk can be holding seals together and removing it can cause leaks. Also if it is corrosion it can cause breakage. There are attractive aluminum bolt covers(in various colors) that you can get to place on top for appeal. Also you can consider braided hose covers and shiny new valve covers all for about $90-180 at your local part store.

[cowofdoom78963]

If it aint broke dont fuck it up for no reason.

[ILikePie]

If you aint got advice dont post for no reason.

[Aqizzar]

I have advice in the form of a question.  smigen, how often does anybody but you look under your hood?  Do they ever expect a clean and shiny engine there?  It's an engine, it's going to look dirty.

[Il Palazzo]

As an ex-owner of an over 20-years old car, I can safely say that you can clean it.
I've not a clue what CLR is, though. I assume it's some rust removing compound? Anyway, if the part is corroded enough to fall apart after anti-rust teatmnent, then it'll fall apart anyway, rather sooner than later. Better find out now and just replace it.
Treat your car like a pimp treats his hooker - keep her clean, show off her best parts, and make sure there's always some high-octane stuff in the system.

[Astral]

CLR: Calcium, Lime and Rust remover.

Meant for drains, not car engines.

[smigenboger]

Thanks for the input-I'm mostly hearing I should just replace the parts, making it look better could damage already worn parts, and that no one else but me would appreciate the work anyway.

I could sell this car for about $1,500 the miserable way it is, or I could put about $500 worth of parts and some of my ample spare time to bring it up to $2,500-$3,000. The interior looked terrible, but with some refurbishment it looks more like it's four years old and not 21 years old. For the interior, I wanted to take out the disgustingly orange rusty screws and either clean them, or replace them with shiny, attractive new ones. It honestly changes the outlook of the car floors and doors.

The engine looks terrible, and was in poor working condition when I got it. Since I'm taking apart a lot of it to replace a few loose rockers, and replacing the rest of the dry-rotted pipes, I figured I should go the extra step and make it shine. Simply getting the grime and excess oil sludge make it more presentable, so de-rusting the bolts and making it in good working order would be a turn-on to buyers and make it drastically more safe for me to drive for the moment (the fixing part, not the cleaning).

I gave CLR (a calcium, lime, and rust remover) as an example of a solvent that may be used, though I'd look for something more specific to what I'm looking for.

I'm also probably going to car parts and home improvement stores to find as many replacements as possible, before refurbishing the existing bolts and screws.

I got this car for virtually free, but I wondered, if I bought another car for $1,500, fixed it and sold it for $3,000, wouldn't I have to pay something outrageous like a 42% income tax on the profits, totally negating whatever profit I made?

E - I'm doing this one for the experience, so I'll know how to take care of a good car, when that time comes.

[Andir]

CLR: Calcium, Lime and Rust remover.

Meant for drains, not car engines.

Drains, tubs, faucets, shower heads... generally anything that can get lime, rust, or calcium buildup.

It's not like Liquid Plumber which is basically acid... it's a bit more safe for general use.

[sneakey pete]

Don't think you pay income tax on cars mate :p

First step is to degrease the bugger, then you can actually tell what needs to be done and what doesn't. until then its a bit hard to tell.

[Astramancer]

Depending on where you are, you would have to pay taxes on the gains, however, that does take into account what it cost you to get those gains.  Plus, on this scale, it's probably going to be below the taxable amount anyway.  Usually such taxes are for Capital Gains - i.e. you're a business and buy something and sell it later for more.