And an apology to Mowerfreak for hijacking the thread and I shut up for now as I would like to see the results of your work.
Not bothered at all AVB. It has lead to useful discussion on different methods of treating metal by immersion. I couldn't wish for a better outcome and I appreciate all the interest this has attracted. I'll will certainly post updated pics.
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!