How do I clean a rusty bridge?

[westicle]

I've recently aquired a bass from a friend which I volunteered to clean up - I hate to see a (nearly) usable instrument sitting in the corner not being used.

The bridge is quite rusty and I want to clean it up.

My first question is shall I just use some wire wool or will it need more than this?

My second question is can I take the bridge off the body to clean it without doing the neck any damage due to change in tension?

[elros]

First:
I heard someone did clean some drum hardware (lugs) by submerging the lot in coca-cola for a while. Don't know if it'd be good for your bridge, but it might be worth investigating.

Second:
Sure. Just take off the strings first. Shouldn't be a problem.

[vic_6]

well, from my searching here, i found that what seems to work best is lighter fluid or naptha. dip it in that stuff for a while. for more info, pm hambone. i got this from him.

and about the neck, i think you'll just have to tweak the truss rod a bit after.

[BillytheBassist]

steel wool>brasso>toothbrush.

[bholder]

There's stuff called "naval jelly" that'll take care of it if it's really bad. Rustoleum also makes a rust remover.

[Nick Ioannucci]

naval jelly will pull it right out. +1

[scourge]

I thought naval jelly was for.. you know...

Never mind. We Ex-Army guys can't resist messin' with squids.

[westicle]

I ended up using some wire wool and a bit of elbow grease. It worked fine but it was in such bad condition that it has suffered some permanent damage.

Now I just need to fix the nut which I've discovered is broken!

Time for another thread...