How to clean SERIOUS gunk

Luckie · #1 02-06-2010, 03:50 PM

I got an old 1965 Hofner the other day, (See NBD thread)
But it has a thick layer of bar-smoke-beer gunk that is very resilient.
I've been using lighter fuel, and dunlop 65 with moderate success.
Anything else I can do? Just keep at it?
Also, do I have to worry about accidentally rubbing of the old finish?

trunkshope6 · #2 02-06-2010, 03:54 PM

i just posted in that thread,is the gunk on the fingerboard or on the whole bass?

kcole4001 · #3 02-06-2010, 04:01 PM

I had similar years of spilled beer/coffee under the guard on my 4000 when I first got it.
Hot water, a clean rag, and patience did the job.

You might try Spray Nine on the uppermost layers of crud and gradually ease into using just a damp rag when you get down to the actual finish.

It will take time, I don't think there are any shortcuts that are really safe on old finishes.
It's amazing how careless some previous owners must have been.

Andy_D · #4 02-06-2010, 04:01 PM

Not sure if I'd use mineral spirits/naptha which is what lighter fluid is. You might want to schlep on down to Home Depot and get a bottle of "Goo Gone". It is a citrus based cleaner that can lift off some pretty nasty stuff while being gentle on the underlying surface. Be sure to test it on an inconspicuous area before trying any cleaning agent though.

nortonrider · #5 02-06-2010, 04:03 PM

I too would get some kind of citrus cleaner.
There are some pretty good ones out there.

BurningSkies · #6 02-06-2010, 04:04 PM

I'd advise against naptha or any other solvent. A delicate 40ish year old Nitro finish won't take it.

kcole4001 · #7 02-06-2010, 04:05 PM

Just looked at the pics in the other thread.
Very mojo'd!
I'd be pretty careful. There's high potential to get whatever you use to clean it into the wood pores.
Maybe consult any luthiers and or refinishers that you can find about what's best to use and least likely to affect the bass's future.

My grungy bass still had an intact clearcoat over the colour coats.

mrmurph · #8 02-06-2010, 07:36 PM

a few years ago I bought a 75 Fender Strat that was absolutely dull with accumulated bar smoke and gunk. I took the hardware off of it and buffed it out with 3m auto paint swirl-remover. It's a very fine polishing compound...I hear Mothers (#7 I think) also works very well for this. After rubbing it out, I then polished as normal with guitar polish and it looked like it had been refinished (except for the accumulated nicks and wear).

Give it a try!

BurningSkies · #9 02-06-2010, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrmurph

a few years ago I bought a 75 Fender Strat that was absolutely dull with accumulated bar smoke and gunk. I took the hardware off of it and buffed it out with 3m auto paint swirl-remover. It's a very fine polishing compound...I hear Mothers (#7 I think) also works very well for this. After rubbing it out, I then polished as normal with guitar polish and it looked like it had been refinished (except for the accumulated nicks and wear).

Give it a try!

75 is a thick poly finish. This bass has a thin nitro finish. Its a good chance you'd just buff off the finish.

elgranluis · #10 02-06-2010, 08:44 PM

Id advise against the sue of water as well, i've had the finish become "gummy" or soft with water a couple of times.

lolaviola · #11 02-07-2010, 06:41 AM

It took me about four days, but I used Pledge Lemon Oil.

Zooberwerx · #12 02-07-2010, 08:03 AM

Has anybody ever used white vinegar? Its handy for cleaning coffee pots, windows, and the like. I wonder if a dilute solution (1 part vinegar / 2-3 parts water) sparsely applied would have a detrimental effect?

Riis