Classic/Antique Car Repair: Rust on Rotors, rotor hub, disc brake kit

Question
Brad,

Bought a new disc brake kit for my '64 Ford pickup.  My rotors have been sitting in the garage and accumulated some rust.  What is the best way to clean this off, without hurting the rotors?  I may be a little paranoid.

Thank you for your  help.
John


Answer
I would not worry about the rust on the braking surface as the pads will shine them up bright as a new penny. The hub area that will mount over the bearing hub should be cleaned with steel wool or sand paper before mounting so that they make a good flat contact. If you are going to paint any part of the rotor hub then prepare it as you would a body part. These rotors will accumulate a coating of surface rust each time that you park the truck for a few days and you may hear noise from the brake pads as they shine the rotor surface.
Brad