What causes the rust on M-3 flak helmets ear flaps

[AZPhil]

Hello Folks,

I was wonder what causes the rust on M-3 flak helmets ear flaps?

 

 

I have seen a lot of the M-3's, no matter what condition, they all seem to have rust under the ear flap pads.

Does anybody know what causes this?

 

Suggestion on how to stabilize the rust ?

 

 

Semper Fi

Phil

 

 

[72psb]

My guess is the felt pads are absorbing moisture and causing the rust. Try a gentile cleaning with 0000 steel wool and 3 in 1 oil. Go easy , the rust should dissolve in the oil with minimal pressure. Do not flood the area w/oil.  

[dmar836]

These helmets are flocked. The one shown appears in really good condition with the flocking still nice. I don't think I'd suggest using steel wool or any oil or chemical. IMO the typical "rusting" could be a result of the adhesive originally used. Even on more modern 80s and 90s aircraft, some of the "FAA approved" adhesive used on sound deadening causes corrosion. Storage conditions, etc. add to that and can make it worse. My IA says there was a 172 on our airport once where you could see bubbling paint on the side of the boot cowl. It had corroded from the inside out under the sound deadening material. Expensive repair. Adhesives can be nasty.

I just keep my flocked helmets dry but this appears to happen to most all of them.

JMO,

Dave 

[AZPhil]

Thank you Gents. 

From the other photos and the description,it does have a good amount of the flocking. I'll avoid damaging it. And leave it be.

I was able to make a deal on it. 

Waiting to hear back on shipping. 

Once in hand,I'll share more pics. 

 

Thanks again 

Semper Fi 

Phil

[AZPhil]

Since there is a Flak section.

 I tried to hyper link it but this is what comes out.

 

My Recent M-3 purchase - FLAK, TANKER, CIVIL DEFENSE & EXPERIMENTAL - U.S. Militaria Forum

 

 

 

Semper Fi

Phil