preserving aircraft parts help

[brataccas]

Ive a lot of ww2 aircraft pieces pulled up from the ocean and im worried that as ive not done anything to preserve them exept spray with WD40, what exactly do I have to do to preserve old wellington bomber wing panels for example as this is my priority, a piece that had been in the salt seawater, any experts here on this?

[harryamb2]

fresh water until the salt is out.

[brataccas]

fresh water until the salt is out.

Ill probably need more info than this is fresh water the same as tapwater? so I can just fill a big container of tapwater from the kitchen and submerge the metal in it? or do I have to find a pond and use that water? very confused

[big ned]

Tap water is fine, just don't get putting any of your Ribena or Um Bongo in it.

[big ned]

How the Cosford Dornier was treated, citric acid solution seems to work. Don't ask me the detail regarding pH levels, I'm not a chemist.

Dornier Do 17 moves into next stage of conservation

Cosford Dornier restoration gets off to a flying start

I think you're on a hiding to nothing, but try diluting some in a container and soaking the parts for a few week/months, then as the final stage coat with wax or clear type of varnish that's suitable to the material, like they use on car parts.

Regards, Ned.

[dogdog47]

I had apart of a ju88 in water for about 18 months stable now but takes time just change the water regular and the salt will come out.
use an old toothbrush to clean the crystals off and put back into clean water then repeat as necessary.
best regards Andy