22 years ago, David Harris created Evapo-Rust, a chemical solution that easily removes rust. Evapo-Rust is non-toxic, non-corrosive, and contains no acids, bases or petroleum solvents.
In this conversation, David talks about his discovery of the solvent and other products that he has created along the way.
Jason Blount: Can you share the background story of Evapo-Rust?
David Harris: I started the company 22 years ago and actually didn’t come up with the chemistry until 2000. My background is industrial, but I had been playing with chemicals for different projects during the three years beforehand. I noticed that there was a certain combination that removed rust, but only when you heated it up to 165 degrees. I thought if I could get it to room temperature then it would be a valuable product. So, I took six months off and determined how to fix it with a few chemical changes. We started selling the product shortly after.
Jason: Who was Evapo-Rust created for?
David: When we developed the product, there really wasn’t anything out there like it. A large part of our consumer base is industrial–they use it to clean the parts of their machines. We’ve also sold it retail since 2006 because there was such high demand by small farmers. It’s the very best way we could advertise the product–word of mouth. That’s why, from the very beginning we’ve just handed out samples for people to see the results for themselves. Retail is about 75 percent of our business at this point.
Jason: Is the product relatively safe?
David: It’s completely safe. You can put your hands in it and even get it in your eyes, it won’t hurt you. All of our other products are non-toxic as well.
Jason: What other solutions have you created?
David: We make a lot of products and we’re constantly working on more. We have products that prevent rust from even occurring. We make a version of Evapo-Rust that’s really cool, it’s called Thermocure. If your car is running hot, you just put Thermocure and water in the cooling system and drive around with it. After a few days, you drain the product, and all of the rust comes out, which is the cause of the issue. Then your car starts running cool.
EVAPO-RUST® is an amazing RUST REMOVER which is utilized by the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, FBI, NATO, Government Contractors, Engine Builders, Auto Enthusiasts, Gunsmiths, Forensic Labs, OEM’s, Farmers, Antique Restorers and more.
It is safe for the user and non-corrosive to steel. It does not harm brass, copper, aluminum, gold, lead, titanium, steel, cast iron, chrome solder points, vinyl, plastic, rubber, silicone, glass, cork, or wood. EVAPO-RUST® can be used over and over until it absolutely stops working. On average, one gallon de-rusts up to 300 pounds of light to moderately rusted steel.
The Made in America 2019 show last year featured this gorgeous 1958 Chevrolet Viking 40 called ‘Demented’.
Your build has inspired my own 1959 Viking. I would like to know where i can take my fenders and cab to have them treated. I would also like to get a better look at the front suspension of your truck. Do you have pictures of the build in progress? Thanks for the info. Great Build!!