cleaning backplates

[guymcc]

Got a 67' traveller, and sorting out the brakes at the mo. I've got them stripped down before rebuiling with the new parts.

My question is..to what extent do I go to on cleaning the backplates? I have run a wirebrush over them, three of them anyway, the other has bee contaminated from a leaking rear axle, and was wondering whether or not to keep going to get them 'gleaming' or a good going over would do, and perhaps some brake part cleaner spray?
I would have thought the cleaner the better, but I'll never get them like new!

TIA

[Dean]

It's entirely up to you. I scrubbed mine with a wire brush and screwdriver (got rid of any loose stuff), cleaned with cheap spirits from B&Q, then painted with black smoothrite. 18 months later they still look really good.