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| First a disclaimer is in order.
Before using ANY product on your toys ALWAYS TEST it on a small inconspicuous area (usually under the base). Always use a WHITE cloth to test with (if any paint comes off, it will show up better on a white cloth). On the chrome and silver parts I have used "Metal-Glo" with good results. Collectors have told me that a similar product called Miracle Creme or Metal Creme which is sold in England works well. Cleaning painted surfaces is often a dangerous subject regarding our toys. First and foremost again, ALWAYS test whatever you're going to use on a small, inconspicuous area of your toy. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER use solvent-based cleaners like 409 or Mr Clean or Simple Green or Murphy's Oil Soap or Tuff Stuff ... all of those cleaners can remove top coat, paint and decals (I've tested each of them and will NOT use them). Tuff Stuff used for more than 2 applications will remove decals quick as a blink. Mr Clean cuts thru top coat like acid. 409 will turn topcoats into a gooey, sticky mess. Again DO NOT use any of them. I'm sure there are other cleaners formulated in the same way that will be equally disastrous. Some collectors have been successful cleaning gunk off their machines using WD-40 but be careful around decals. AGAIN TEST, TEST, TEST. Depending on how stable the paint is on their toy, some people use warm soapy water to initiallyremove dirt (be careful, if the paint is flaking do not use this approach), do not soak your toy. Use a very soft toothbrush and brush gently. The safest technique is to use light non-detergent sewing machine oil rubbed on with a soft rag or your fingers. Shiny nickeled surfaces can be cleaned using very light sandpaper (1200 to 2000 grit wet paper used by auto body shops is fairly safe to use). If there is heavy rust I use a stationery bench buffing machine with a very fine wire wheel and buffing wheels. Some collectors use a handheld Dremel type tool for sanding and buffing however I don't recommend using them on large surfaces since you can easily gouge the surface. These are just some basic ideas on cleaning. For your first attempt at cleaning work on a junker machine to perfect your techniques and to build a little confidence ... if in doubt DON'T clean. I assure you I've learned the hard way during my collecting career and have ruined several toys |
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