The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I was lucky to come by this Pathé reproducer/adaptor that fits nicely onto my pre-orthophonic Victors. I'll be doing a rebuild soon but need advice on clearing the nickel. Any thoughts?

The best polish for nickel plating hands down is "Mother's Mag and Aluminum Polish". You should be able to find it at any auto parts store. The stuff is great!

Sean

Thanks, OrthoSean.

Before polishing, you might consider soaking it in ammonia for a few minutes and then cleaning it with a soft bristle toothbrush. This does a great job of removing the "crust" that has adhered to the finish over time. Polish later if needed.

Matt

OrthoSean wrote:The best polish for nickel plating hands down is "Mother's Mag and Aluminum Polish". You should be able to find it at any auto parts store. The stuff is great!

Sean

Seconded!

Between my cars, phonographs, appliances, etc. I go through that stuff by the bucket!

mattrx wrote:Before polishing, you might consider soaking it in ammonia for a few minutes and then cleaning it with a soft bristle toothbrush. This does a great job of removing the "crust" that has adhered to the finish over time. Polish later if needed.

Matt

Many thanks, Matt. Should I disassemble it and soak all the metal parts (screws included) in ammonia?

I have a question...can the "mothers mag & aluminum" cleaner be used on the gold plated reproducers or not?
Gene

Hi Gene,

I've never tried Mothers on gold, for gold plating, I use ammonia. Ammonia works great on gold plated parts and won't damage the plating.

Sean

ejackett wrote:I have a question...can the "mothers mag & aluminum" cleaner be used on the gold plated reproducers or not?
Gene

I would say no. You're not even technically supposed to use it on chrome (though I've polished about 3900 sq. ft. of bumpers, toasters, and coffee percolators with it, and they come out gleaming...) I believe ammonia would be the way to go with the gold.

OrthoSean wrote:Hi Gene,

I've never tried Mothers on gold, for gold plating, I use ammonia. Ammonia works great on gold plated parts and won't damage the plating.

Sean

Sean, you beat me to it!