i recently purchased a set of oem cats and i plan on gutting them myself. the flanges on the ends have rust on them and i was wondering if that would cause any problems with the gaskets when bolted on. is there a way to get rid of the rust, or at least on the side that will secure to the gasket?

any ideas appreciated

 

Take them somewhere to have it bead blasted. Usually they use glass beads. Sand works too but the finish is not as good.

 

Once oxidation starts, its next to impossible to stop. Try rust removing jell. Apply with a brush, let sit, rinse with hose. Pretty easy to use.

 

If the rust is terrible to the point that you can pick off pieces of metal then yes you will most likely have a problem in the near future. But if its just minor surface rust you wont have any problems, its going to rust anyway once you put it on there.