Rusting commercial deck oven

[Edward J]

I have two 2-pan deck ovens with 8" crowns, and for the most part, they work quite well. Problem is rust. Both decks have NO steam vent, and the doors seal quite well. I bought them used, but from the looks of them they were not used much-if at all.

So I know I have to attack the problem in three ways

First I'm using the top deck which I hardly use since it is a bit more awkward, but it is the same oven type and will eventually develop the same problem.

Ovens are chinese, and there actually is a importer/distributer here in Vancouver, so I am making inquiries to aftermarket steam vent kits. Doubt if they will have them, but I will ask. If and when that doesn't pan out, I'll try to introduce a 1/4" gap inbetween the oven door and frame so that I have some venting, albeit mickey mouse.

But the rust, how do I stop that? I know there are automotive anti-rust products that convert rust to black and comprised mainly of phosphoric acid. If I remember my Gr. 9 teacher correctly, phosphoric acid is an ingredient in Coca-cola, so if can't be that toxic. Engine paint might form a new barrier on the metal, and I guessing a good bake at 450 F might get rid of any obnoxious fumes.

Reluctant to start heading out to the automotie supply store just yet. Any bakrs out there have any ideas?

[JeanneCake]

Have a repair company look at it? See if they have done the whole auto paint thing or have any cautions about will it/won't it from an angle we might not think of...

[Edward J]

Welll...lets just say a repair company will try to sell me a new oven, and failing that, offer to rebuild it.

My goal is to milk out as much time as possible from these ones.

And you know, other than no vents in the ovens, I've been pretty pleased with them for last couple of years.