The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have a friend who is cleaning the oxidized metal parts on an improperly stored Victor R. The copper accents are there below a coating if rust. Any ideas as to what might be best on cleaning this to remove the rust and not harm the oxidized layer? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Wes

I would try soaking them in WD40, then go over them lightly with 00 steel wool.

I thought of WD-40 because its a good type cleaner for most everything, but used with 00 steelwool I feel that the steelwool would tend to scratch the oxidized surface. Possibly? What about a good soaking in muratic acid?

downsouth wrote:I thought of WD-40 because its a good type cleaner for most everything, but used with 00 steelwool I feel that the steelwool would tend to scratch the oxidized surface. Possibly? What about a good soaking in muratic acid?

I wouldn't risk it, you could use something less abrasive than steel wool like a scrub pad used for dishes.

A scrub pad for dishes is more gross and abrasive than fine steel wool IMHO.

Marco Gilardetti wrote:A scrub pad for dishes is more gross and abrasive than fine steel wool IMHO.

Oh well.

Just be gentle and take your time.

I would start with WD40 and buff the part with a cotton rag. If I were to try steel wool later, I would use only 0000. I once saw an oxidized Edison Idelia that was attacked by steel wool - it was a disaster.

I would be very hesitant with using steel wool at all. Too many Victor R's are out there that have been polished to shiny copper. I'd rather try something like Naval Jelly in a very small inconspicuous area, maybe under the turntable. This should convert the iron rust, but I am not sure what it does to the oxidation. Another option might be a bath in coca cola, which also has small amounts of acid, which would react with the iron oxide (=rust). Problem with that is as well that it might increase the oxidation of the copper as well.

I would take it VERY slow and try to get input from one of the professional restorers who might have dealt with the same issue before.

Good luck!
Andreas

Thanks for the suggestions guys. If I were to recommend steel wool, 0000 would be the way to go, but a little testing at first before jumping in with both feet is a must. I'll pass it along.

Regards, Wes