'55 Surprise...Starting Restoration

[not2shabby]

That worked well, Bill. Thank you.

I finally have the SS disassembled. All bearings have been replaced and new gilmer belt has arrived. Next up: stripping paint.

[jjbuzard]

That worked well, Bill. Thank you.

I finally have the SS disassembled. All bearings have been replaced and new gilmer belt has arrived. Next up: stripping paint.

Try Soda Blasting on Aluminum parts, they come out looking like new castings and no pitting.

[not2shabby]

Nothing like resurrecting a 4-year-old thread. Life, work, and a new baby meant this greenie's many pieces sat on shelves in my garage since 2016. I have had a little more time due to the pandemic, so I have been slowly working through unfinished projects.

I only have a few more parts to paint and assemble. The way tubes need to be refinished and then the whole thing should come together. Hopefully it won't take another four years.

The headstock is finally rebuilt. I will polish accessories as I have time. I don't expect this will be a JPG level restoration. I will just be happy to have it functional.

Headstock - rebuilt.jpg (321.18 KiB) Viewed 2140 times

[ShoptimusPrime]

Great job on the restore. I restored an old greenie, i think, that I was entrusted to save. I soaked the tubes in evaporust for 3 hours each and they came out beautifully. A little rise off and wet sand with 2000 got them looking better than new. Don't forget to wax immediately after this. I like to leave my tavles and tubes in the sun to heat up a little then wax and buff several times to make sure that they are good and protected.

[chapmanruss]

Jason,

The Headstock looks great, Can't hardly wait to see the rest finished. After all the time spent getting the parts restored, putting it back together goes in a flash by comparison. Don't forget to take pictures as it goes back together. Looking forward on an update for the Base and Carriage cracks.