Log in
Search
Latest topics
» *Cox Engine of The Month* Submit your pictures! -October 2024-by roddie Today at 12:22 pm
» Off topic - Tonka dump truck restoration. 10:27
by roddie Today at 11:58 am
» Internet buy
by rdw777 Today at 11:38 am
» I Got Cheated!
by roddie Today at 11:27 am
» Fox .35 Modifications
by BillpointBilly Today at 8:28 am
» Venom Frog
by BillpointBilly Today at 8:26 am
» Carburetor Sprinkler Rod Peak Tee Dee .049 / .051
by BillpointBilly Today at 8:18 am
» Sterlings and Guillows Nieuport 28's
by rsv1cox Today at 7:49 am
» Wen Mac Aeromite/Challenger
by GallopingGhostler Today at 7:29 am
» PSA propellors!!!
by getback Today at 6:55 am
» Wanted peewee 20 fuel tank
by rdw777 Today at 5:39 am
» Cox 020 PeeWee rebuild questions
by balogh Yesterday at 1:01 pm
Cox Engine of The Month
Tip: Cleaning up Cox Models that are covered in gunk
Page 1 of 1
Tip: Cleaning up Cox Models that are covered in gunk
Here is the method I used to clean up the Shrike I just got this past Sunday. It does take time, but it does not harm the plastic. I use old model fuel I have laying around, lots of paper towels and q-tips.
5 hours of a little elbow grease and took the whole thing apart and put back together.
I usually wipe them down afterward with a multi-surface cleaner to clean it up afterwards.
5 hours of a little elbow grease and took the whole thing apart and put back together.
I usually wipe them down afterward with a multi-surface cleaner to clean it up afterwards.
alpinewarren- Moderate Poster
- Posts : 14
Join date : 2013-11-12
Age : 60
Location : Alpine, CA
Re: Tip: Cleaning up Cox Models that are covered in gunk
Isopopyl alcohol works well too. It's available at any drug store and is far less expensive than glo-fuel by volume. Something like than $3/quart.
SD
SD
SuperDave- Rest In Peace
- Posts : 3552
Join date : 2011-08-13
Location : Washington (state)
Re: Tip: Cleaning up Cox Models that are covered in gunk
How about models were the old fuel has stained the plastic? How deep does the staining go? Could I be removed by. Light wet sand? I've got a shrike I'm trying to restore and I cleaned it exactly how you did. But there's some reddish spots(yellow shrike) that appear to be permanent.
G.O. Stang- Gold Member
- Posts : 317
Join date : 2013-05-20
Age : 30
Location : Brenham, Tx
Re: Tip: Cleaning up Cox Models that are covered in gunk
I don't think you can get that type of staining out... I may be wrong though.
Re: Tip: Cleaning up Cox Models that are covered in gunk
GO:
Start with the LEAST aggressive cleaning agent and move upward until possible minor damge seems about to occur.
SD
Start with the LEAST aggressive cleaning agent and move upward until possible minor damge seems about to occur.
SD
SuperDave- Rest In Peace
- Posts : 3552
Join date : 2011-08-13
Location : Washington (state)
Re: Tip: Cleaning up Cox Models that are covered in gunk
If you look up "restoring yellowed computer plastics" they talk about cleaning plastic and removing discoloration. Might be worth looking into...
"retr0bright" http://retr0bright.wikispaces.com/
Phil
"retr0bright" http://retr0bright.wikispaces.com/
Phil
pkrankow- Top Poster
- Posts : 3025
Join date : 2012-10-02
Location : Ohio
Re: Tip: Cleaning up Cox Models that are covered in gunk
It depends how bad it is, always try to test a less obvious spot first. I've wet sanded plastic before and it can work, start with 400-600 and move to a 800-1200 grit, finish with a rubbing compound. The problem then becomes you often end up with a overly glossy plastic, but if it will look better go for it.
I've found a dry clean piece of a really soft terry cloth towel and elbow grease will give you the best 'factory' shine.
As far a cleaners go, if it works use it, seems like everybody has their favorite. I would be careful of using fuel, I've done that before and had it discolor the canopies, but was able to rub out.
I've found a dry clean piece of a really soft terry cloth towel and elbow grease will give you the best 'factory' shine.
As far a cleaners go, if it works use it, seems like everybody has their favorite. I would be careful of using fuel, I've done that before and had it discolor the canopies, but was able to rub out.
Last edited by Mark Boesen on Fri Nov 22, 2013 10:31 am; edited 1 time in total
Re: Tip: Cleaning up Cox Models that are covered in gunk
I actually used alcohol and it worked alright. I've actually got to get a new canopy for it so that's not an issue. Like I said, my main issue is the fuel stains. It's a first issue shrike without the aluminum bar so I'd like to see it back the way it was. I know they also reproduce the stickers.Mark Boesen wrote: It depends how bad it is, always try to test a less obvious spot first. I've wet sanded plastic before and it can work, start with 400-600 and move to a 800-1200 grit, finish with a rubbing compound. The problem then becomes you often end up with a overly glossy plastic, but if it will look better go for it.
I've found a dry clean piece of a really soft terry cloth towel and elbow grease will give you the best 'factory' shine.
As far a cleaners go, if it works use it, seems like everybody has their favorite. I would be careful of using fuel, I've done that before and had it discolor the canopies, but was able to rub out.
G.O. Stang- Gold Member
- Posts : 317
Join date : 2013-05-20
Age : 30
Location : Brenham, Tx
Re: Tip: Cleaning up Cox Models that are covered in gunk
the plastic on the Shrike is pretty soft, same stuff as the Rivets and others made during that time, maybe hit the stains with rubbing compound first.
I remember wanting one of those green Shrikes as a kid in the early 70's.
I remember wanting one of those green Shrikes as a kid in the early 70's.
Re: Tip: Cleaning up Cox Models that are covered in gunk
Unfortunately I already tried a rubbing compound. Didn't really do anything.Mark Boesen wrote:the plastic on the Shrike is pretty soft, same stuff as the Rivets and others made during that time, maybe hit the stains with rubbing compound first.
I remember wanting one of those green Shrikes as a kid in the early 70's.
G.O. Stang- Gold Member
- Posts : 317
Join date : 2013-05-20
Age : 30
Location : Brenham, Tx
Re: Tip: Cleaning up Cox Models that are covered in gunk
GO:
Rather than rubbing compoud try polishing compound which has a finer grit. Both are found in automotive parts stores.
SD
Rather than rubbing compoud try polishing compound which has a finer grit. Both are found in automotive parts stores.
SD
SuperDave- Rest In Peace
- Posts : 3552
Join date : 2011-08-13
Location : Washington (state)
Re: Tip: Cleaning up Cox Models that are covered in gunk
Actually I stand corrected. Did use a polishing compound. Maybe I'll try a rubbing compound before I resort to the sandpaper.SuperDave wrote:GO:
Rather than rubbing compoud try polishing compound which has a finer grit. Both are found in automotive parts stores.
SD
G.O. Stang- Gold Member
- Posts : 317
Join date : 2013-05-20
Age : 30
Location : Brenham, Tx
Re: Tip: Cleaning up Cox Models that are covered in gunk
GO:
Tried ISOPROPHYL alcohol yet? It'll penerate and disolve "goo" rather than grind it away like an abrasive. It's best applied with a gause pad and rubbed into the goo.
I suggest giving it a try.
SD.
Tried ISOPROPHYL alcohol yet? It'll penerate and disolve "goo" rather than grind it away like an abrasive. It's best applied with a gause pad and rubbed into the goo.
I suggest giving it a try.
SD.
SuperDave- Rest In Peace
- Posts : 3552
Join date : 2011-08-13
Location : Washington (state)
Re: Tip: Cleaning up Cox Models that are covered in gunk
That's what I originally used. It cleaned up everything but the stains. And used some purple power to clean out the inside of the body halves. Worked fine.SuperDave wrote:GO:
Tried ISOPROPHYL alcohol yet? It'll penerate and disolve "goo" rather than grind it away like an abrasive. It's best applied with a gause pad and rubbed into the goo.
I suggest giving it a try.
SD.
G.O. Stang- Gold Member
- Posts : 317
Join date : 2013-05-20
Age : 30
Location : Brenham, Tx
Re: Tip: Cleaning up Cox Models that are covered in gunk
I've never tried but apparently you can color the plastic with certin dye But I've already polished plastic with automotive products it work just fine I had removed the discoloration with a fine sandpaper first It is a work that must be done slowly with the hands.Above all, do not use a polisher machines just à good hand and patience first One thing you can do is. First use wD40 everywhere on the screws to disassemble them, the longer you leave them to act, the better. After soak in hot water Not To hot for à day than re aply wd40 put wd al over it for 24 To 48 h It restores lost flexibility of that tipe of plastiques it Prevent plastic from cracking I have already heard of a product made to restore flexibility to plastics but I do not know them. Just Takes the time to do things right and find the right ways
davidll1984- Diamond Member
- Posts : 2318
Join date : 2020-02-12
Age : 39
Location : shawinigan
cmoore2963- Moderate Poster
- Posts : 25
Join date : 2021-10-24
Similar topics
» How to clean old cox models? I appreciatte sugestions.
» Friend happydad, this is for you.
» after run cleaning?
» Cleaning old Cox .049ers
» Bore cleaning .049's
» Friend happydad, this is for you.
» after run cleaning?
» Cleaning old Cox .049ers
» Bore cleaning .049's
Page 1 of 1
Permissions in this forum:
You cannot reply to topics in this forum