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B-24 control wheel restoration
Posted: Sun Nov 28, 2010 6:41 pm
by Killer Kane
This is probably more of a "clean-up" than restoration, but anyway...
Recently acquired control wheel (eBay) after years of looking. However, it needs a little TCL before going on display. Appears to have white hard water marks and general grime on surfaces. I'm assuming wheel is made of a black bakelite material? Can I clean this surface with a vinegar/water solution? Also, what should I use to clean up metal surfaces?
Wheel is marked on back "SHELLER CK32C5833."
Re: B-24 control wheel restoration
Posted: Sun Nov 28, 2010 9:46 pm
by tom d. friedman
a good douche w/ a vinegar & water mixture & a soft to mild abrasive brush a number of times w/ good rinses in warm tap water will help plenty, dry thoroughly. it works, but results vary. that technique has never failed me regarding mildew, fungus etc on bakelite i.d. models, old canvas, & leather etc. do not use any solvent based material or bleach as this may toast your new find. a marine grade aluminum cleaner / polish will help the hub hole w/ an old tooth brush. clean off thoroughly & let dry. a good quantity of q tip swabs is good for applying the cleaner & rinsing / drying & will get in between the teeth of the hub. wipe off any cleaner from bakelite quickly, or mask off around the metal areas w/ masking tape. let me know how you do!!
Re: B-24 control wheel restoration
Posted: Mon Nov 29, 2010 12:01 am
by Killer Kane
Thanks for the detailed advice, Tom... I'll give it try!
Will give an update.
Re: B-24 control wheel restoration
Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2010 3:15 pm
by Django
Very cool. Best of luck. Do you have a center cap for it?
Re: B-24 control wheel restoration
Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2010 12:02 pm
by Killer Kane
Re: B-24 control wheel restoration
Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2010 9:43 pm
by tom d. friedman
excellent results!! congrats!!!! looks like it got a great botox treatment!!! you've got a great keeper!! best, tom
Re: B-24 control wheel restoration
Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2010 11:22 am
by Django
Wow, that looks great!!
Re: B-24 control wheel restoration
Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2010 3:09 pm
by b29flteng
I'm filled with envy
Re: B-24 control wheel restoration
Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2010 4:05 pm
by tom d. friedman
tom d. friedman wrote:excellent results!! congrats!!!! looks like it got a great botox treatment!!! you've got a great keeper!! best, tom
see!!! i'm not a total blithering idiot!! that remedy will work on many poorly stored, stained militaria. i've used it on early bakelite plastic, leather & canvas. it's mild on the material but gets the job done.
Re: B-24 control wheel restoration
Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2010 1:50 pm
by Killer Kane
