The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I am taking apart a Columbia No. 15 reproducer to do a rebuild/refurbish. After taking the back plate off (the part which holds the isolator), the old isolator was a hard and partially ossified glob which had to be scraped out. I am left, however, with bits and blobs of rubber in the smaller crevices/nooks & crannies of the soundbox. Is there a solvent or solution (acetone/alcohol, etc.) I can utilize to dissolve the remaining bits of old rubber? I don't want to keep scraping with a screwdriver or X-acto blade for fear of scarring the unit (even though the new isolator would cover the scratches). Is there a solvent/solution I can just set the components in and allow them to soak the old gunk off?

Thanks for any help!

Soak the part overnight in a solution of alcohol and winter green. It will melt the rubber.

Thank you, Carlos.