Coin Slot Magazine - #025 - 1977 - February [International Arcade Museum]
HOW'S YOUR
OLD ALUMINUM?
1825 Freeman Avenue
by
DAVE EVANS
Probably in very sad shape.
are
in
pretty
Cincinnati, Ohio 45214
Yes, most of the old machines we get
poor condition.
The aluminum closely resembles
"Battle-ship gray" - not the shiny, silvery aluminum color we'd like.
But, if you take the time, and have the proper tools and supplies,
you can make most old machines shine better than the day they left
the factory.
Yes, it is a lot of work, but it is well worth it.
Nothing bothers me
more than to buy a "so-called" restored machine -- wonderfully
repainted -- but the aluminum is gray and dingy. While some collec
tors might have better ideas on cleaning the aluminum than I have,
I'd like to give you my experience, and you let the COIN SLOT know
if you have better procedures or better products.
First of all, you must remove the dirt and grease that has accumula
ted over 40-50 years, and try to remove some of the oxides, too.
I
have had the best success with a product called "VAPCO BRITE'
ALUM - a fin and coil cleaner."
This product is available from re
frigeration and air conditioning supply houses.
The servicemen use
it to clean aluminum condensors in air conditioners and refrigera
tion equipment.
paint brush.
Spread the BRITE' ALUM over the surface with a
Let it set for a few minutes, but do not let it dry. Add
more product to keep surface wet.
After about 15 minutes, go over
om
m.c
:
u
m
e
us preferred - on your Dremel
fro -- cup
m type
d brush
-
points, put a little wire
e
e
d
d
loa the .a close
rca spots. Then wash thoroughly, using
n over
grinder and go
w
o
w
D
w
a stiff brush. The
://w red bristle brush you can buy with Bix Stripper is
p
t
t
very handy h for this, as well as paint stripping. Sand out any gouges
the surface with very fine steel wool, rubbing thoroughly all small
cracks and crevices.
If the design is such that you cannot reach all
with No. 180 grit flint cloth.
© The International Arcade Museum
Now, you should be ready to buff.
http://www.arcade-museum.com/