cleaning SS pistol stored in original case w/foam rubber (warning about foam rubber)

[carlie]

The foam rubber has rotted and is like something glued on to the gun, not only on the exterior but into the clip as well which was not in the gun, but in the case in it's slot. I'm dealing with smooth surfaces, interior parts, and pebble texture on top of the ribbed barrel. This was a new gun NIB and I don't want to harm it if possible. It has been in the case about 40 years. Any help would be appreciated

 

[zucchi]

Gasoline should dissolve the foam and any residue, and will leave all your metal unharmed.

 

[Mrgunsngear]

I agree that gasoline will work well but I would try with something a little less harsh just to not potentially harm the interior parts. I'd go with soaking it in simple green for a couple days. If that doesn't work, Break Free, then go with gasoline. It's been sitting for 40 years so I figure there's no rush...

 

[Don H]

+1 on the acetone nail polish remover. It can also be found at the corner drugstore and at the supermarket. Pure acetone can be found at hardware and paint stores.

 

[Dashunde]

Yep, acetone.
And we want to see a pic of this 40 year old nbf pistol too.

 

[Dennis1209]

Don't pour your gasoline in a Styrofoam cup either

[/IMG]

 

[carlie]

results update

the acetone seems to be helping i have been soaking the clip since thursday a.m. but on the top of the spring was the worst concentration of the foam rubber and it is still a little stubborn. still soaking!

 

[10mm4ever]

Kerosene

 

[WESHOOT2]

WD40 takes that crap off, and then just saturate the gun with oil.

 

[4V50 Gary]

Late last year I learned the same thing about foam rubber deteriorating. Unfortunately it was with coins. Since then, I learned to distrust foam for storage.

 

[drail]

Foam lined cases should be used to transport a gun to a range only. NEVER store a gun or a camera or anything valuable in a foam lined case.(or any type of case) You know why now. Foam rubber has a pretty short lifespan and then it turns into nasty stuff. Cases are strictly for carrying, not for storing.

 

[carlie]

a new idea

i have heard that denatured alcohol will strip anything, but nobody can give me an answer to the affects of soaking stainless steel???

 

[Don P]

Alcohol shouldn't hurt the SS I would use lacquer thinner

 

[brickeyee]

I'd go with soaking it in simple green for a couple days.

Simple green is pretty far from benign.

 

[erob3]

Not wanting to get off subject; but what is a good alternative? I've heard wax paper, any other suggestions?

 

[carlie]

We have a winner

Lacquer thinner did the trick.

 

[Bud Helms]

Thanks for coming back with the update.

 

[carlie]

photo available here

my work complete

 

[Mike Irwin]

Damn. An Automag.

What caliber?

Your father had some neat stuff.

 

[Lee McNelly]

PROBLEM

GOOGONE TRY