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Another newbie question regarding "brightening" the metal

Posted:
Wed Sep 27, 2023 5:36 pm
by Obsolete Candy
Good evening all. I am new to this forum as well as new to coin-op collecting. I recently acquired a Mints of Quality/Dutch Boy machine and was looking to start off with the basic cleanup before I delve into the inner workings to try and get it operational again. But for now I am going to start out with the exterior. I am no expert on these things so bear with me. The metal on my machine is extremely dull and was wanting to know if anyone has had success with "brightening" up the metal on their machine and if so how did you go about doing it? Any help would be appreciated.
David
Re: Another newbie question

Posted:
Wed Sep 27, 2023 5:53 pm
by radiorich123
I bead blast the metal and then buff wheel the high spots and then repaint the metal cabinet. Here is one that I did.
Re: Another newbie question

Posted:
Wed Sep 27, 2023 6:06 pm
by Obsolete Candy
radiorich123 wrote:I bead blast the metal and then buff wheel the high spots and then repaint the metal cabinet. Here is one that I did.
That looks awesome! Since I do not have the equipment for blasting do you know of any other alternatives? I have bead blasted before and the project turned out great but it was at a friends place a couple of states away.
Re: Another newbie question regarding "brightening" the meta

Posted:
Wed Sep 27, 2023 7:53 pm
by mechanic
YOU CAN USE SIMICHROME OR NEVERDULL TO SHINE THE HIGH SPOTS. A SMALL HAND BUFFER LIKE USED ON CARS HELPS. JUST NEVER PLATE THE CASTINGS, THEY NEVER WERE FROM THE FACTORY AND NOW IT COSTS SO MUCH MORE TO DO. SEEN TOO MANY CHROME JOBS ON OLDER MACHINES AND THEN THEY ASK TOP DOLLAR, I'D GIVE THEM HALF SO I COULD PUT IT BACK THE WAY ITS SUPPOSED TO BE.
Re: Another newbie question regarding "brightening" the meta

Posted:
Thu Sep 28, 2023 6:18 am
by radiorich123
You can use 0000 steel wool to get it better. First wash all the dirt off use soap water and a brush.
Re: Another newbie question regarding "brightening" the meta

Posted:
Thu Sep 28, 2023 6:47 am
by Obsolete Candy
mechanic wrote:YOU CAN USE SIMICHROME OR NEVERDULL TO SHINE THE HIGH SPOTS. A SMALL HAND BUFFER LIKE USED ON CARS HELPS. JUST NEVER PLATE THE CASTINGS, THEY NEVER WERE FROM THE FACTORY AND NOW IT COSTS SO MUCH MORE TO DO. SEEN TOO MANY CHROME JOBS ON OLDER MACHINES AND THEN THEY ASK TOP DOLLAR, I'D GIVE THEM HALF SO I COULD PUT IT BACK THE WAY ITS SUPPOSED TO BE.
Thanks for the info. I agree with you on the chrome. Chrome goes well with the four wheeled collectibles, but not so much with the vintage one armed bandits
David
Re: Another newbie question regarding "brightening" the meta

Posted:
Thu Sep 28, 2023 6:49 am
by Obsolete Candy
radiorich123 wrote:You can use 0000 steel wool to get it better. First wash all the dirt off use soap water and a brush.
I think I will try this technique first and if all goes well move on to the polish for the high spots. Thank you for the tip!
David