vpi jmw tonarm rust yes rust

I would be more concerned about the chemicals in the Black Flag you rubbed on the the plinth of your VPI.Have you read what`s in there.

The entire Tonearm is not aluminum, nor stainless-steel it is Bead Plasted for a Matte Finish, then Industrial Hard-Chromed. If it was touched with sweaty fingers & not wiped off during high humidity and the table covered it will rust in time. Industrial Hard Chroming is to be able to withstand 500-2000 hours of salt-air exposure in a ventilated enviorment. However in a non-ventilated it will pit/brown in a matter of 48-72 hours. Call VPI see if they had any other reports, as I'm sure they have them done by a sub contracted outside facility. It may have been a bad chroming batch they received, & VPI quality control will not spot it till it fails by the end user. I too am a VPI owner, however I have no issues with my arms finish. Do not use WD-40 as it attracts dust, & you don't want to take the chance of getting any type of lubicating fluid near your Cartridge. Good Luck!

Audiobugged, thanks for your in depth response. I waiting to hear back from VPI and will let everyone know what happens when I do.

In case anyone's interested. According to VPI the arm is composed of aluminum and stainless steel, therfore whatever it is, it isn't rust. They suggested aluminum cleaner, or I can send the arm back to them to have it refinished.

Todd, I just removed my dust cover & took a good look at the arm after my first cup of coffee. It may be aluminum, & stainless steel underneath. However this is not beadblasted aluminum, & stainless steel in it's raw form.

There is a matte Hard Chrome finish on this arm, & a matte Nickle finish on the Counter-weight.

Vpi keeps Evolving/Upgrading these tables, they probably can't recall what they did lask week? Who did you speak to Sheila, or Mike? Sheila Harry's wife is wonderful to deal with, however she normally yells to Mike, or Harry for the answers. Something may have been lost in the loop???

I would NOT use any type off aluminum cleaner as it is abrasive even in it's mildest state will mar the finish! Also why would you need a cleaner as there is no dirt/stain , your dealing with a surface corrosion issue.

If they refinish it it will add additional weight to the arm IMO. As couldn't see them spending all the time to get it all off? Secondly, sending in the arm would leave you without a source. There has to be some other way to exchange the arm, talk to your dealer.

There is one high performance penetrating lubricant which may be tough to find. However this will not spread/run until the 450 degree range. It will not attract dirt, dust, or lint.

It is called TSI 30I made by American Gas & Chemical Co., 220 Pegasus Ave., Northvale NJ 07647. I would search the web, to find a distributor for a 6oz spray can. I would spray it on a scrap cotton tee shirt section, & gently dab the area until it has a wet-look, then let it sit for 24+ hours. If this doesn't lift the rust, nothing else will! Good Luck!