Rusted parts

[Bassamatic]

Looks like a bass I bought once that was kept near the ocean. Really took a toll on the metal parts. I'd replace the parts - they are cheap enough.
If you want to go the white vinegar route, you might want to get some "cleaning vinegar" at a 99cent store. Has twice the acetic acid.

What an amazing source of information this site is!! Bass players are so cool.

 

[Ewo]

Once that's over with, my go-to for those tiny bridge saddle screws, etc., that are on most guitars and basses, is BreakFreeCLP, one of those firearm wonder-lubes. Harmless to electronics and finishes, put a tiny drop on each of those spots, and you'll never have to worry about them again. THE solution for 'sweat-proofing' Floyds and other tremolo assemblies. Some WalMarts have it, and most places where you can buy firearm supplies sells it, like Bass Pro / Cabela's, Academy, or a good local gun store. Very slight fragrance that doesn't linger.

While reading through this thread I was wondering how CLP might work on freeing up the rusty threads. I've had good results cleaning gun bores with Lucas Oil's CLP--including a WW2 bringback P38 pistol that had sat in a drawer since 1945. The rifling was so fouled it almost looked like a smoothbore. Of the brands of CLP I've tried, Lucas is my favorite.

 

[Jjacks651]

I'd be soaking that in a little plastic tub with PB blaster for a few hours. That has never failed me.

+1 of Kroil

JJ

 

[Yellow Bang66]

Hello guys,

I hope you can help.

I've got a bridge that has saddles and screws all stuck in one position. They don't move. I've tried wd40- nothing happens. I think some water got into it or some sort of lubricant. I've given it to a luthier, he couldn't do anything, however mentioned to try and deep the bridge and knobs in coca cola for 24 hours. Luthier said if that doesn't work you need to buy a new bridge and knobs.

Any advise you can give to reincarnate that bridge and screws? Also screws in the knobs?

I've attached the photos.

Uhh, Idk really, but when I was rebuilding my #1 I found a guy who suggested, a mixture of 3 in 1 oil and Napatha( lighter fluid) in a container and soak. be careful when mixing flameable fluids! I never had a problem, but Im a hack! this solution worked on a couple of rusted parts soaked for a few days! along with a wire brush! but it did strip off any plating too!come to think it might have been wd40 & 3 in 1. sorry many years ago! be careful. I remember it stank too!GL

 

[Pilgrim]

i hadn't heard of "PB blaster" until your post, beej, so i googled it --- and google also led me to this "kroil" stuff:
https://www.kroil.com/?gclid=CjwKCA...AIsHT5HW6fm2vCAIC5p9LiFw9IgYnxMBoCCCkQAvD_BwE

any good? TIA

FYI, Kroil is excellent. One of the best penetrating oils made. I keep a can handy by mail-ordering. It does have a significant scent, so it's not the kind of thing you would use much on a guitar or other non-automotive parts.

 

[Bass4ThePublic]

Cool old 60’s tele bass, is it a 68? My guess is 50+ years of dust, grime, chicken grease, and other stuff have corroded the bridge saddles enough for it to stick. Your 2 options are most likely either get a new bridge or use something like a torch to heat the saddles.

 

[Tommy V]

cut the screws with a pair of bolt cutters and discard the screws / barrels / springs.. polish up the plate, and install new screws / springs / barrels.

Just curious.. has intonation been considered? I love the vintage vibe of a 2 barrel bridge, but they're better suited for a fretless, when it comes to intonation.