[Boatanchors] Cleaning and polishing steel chassis?

[WQ9E at btsnetworks.net]

Roger,

I don't believe this applies to the HQ-129X (I have one also) but be careful because a number of vintage radios used cadmium plated chassis.  You need to be very careful with these since you don't want this in your system.

Scrubbing bubbles is my favorite general purpose cleaner but like any cleaner it can damage certain paint and plastics and the residue should be completely removed.  If you are down to a bare chassis, you will find that automatic dishwasher detergent is very effective but it must be rinsed thoroughly to avoid future damage.

Rodger WQ9E

----------------------------------------
From: "Roger Shultz" <nj2r at verizon.net>
Sent: Saturday, April 16, 2011 6:43 PM
To: boatanchors at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Boatanchors] Cleaning and polishing steel chassis? 

What do the experienced restorer's out there of steel chassis BA's recommend
for achieving good results when cleaning and polishing the steel chassis of
radios on which you would like to do an extremely good job?

I'm restoring a really yucky HQ-129X and though the chassis is pretty dirty
and no amount of soap, Windex, or other solvent will touch it, there is no
rust. Aluminum is a piece of cake compared to steel it seems.

I've experimented with synthetic steel wool used with WD-40 for a lubricant,
regular 00 and 0000 steel wool, brass brushes etc. and while each one has
its attributes, I know others have been down this road before and know the
best practices.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

73, Roger, NJ2R

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