UMMMM...help??

[pcaru1]

Rock Island 995XX. I have cleaned cosmoline before but when I took this thing apart...OOOF. I almost don't know where to begin. Chemical, heat, black plastic in sun? Suggestions anyone?

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[RCS]

You have a early rear sight base, what is the barrel date ? here is a photo of my Rock Island #64145 that has a RIA 3-07 dated barrel

[Patrick Chadwick]

That looks almost like car underbody paint! For parts that have been removed from the wood, I suggest using acetone* and paper towelling, preferably not doing the work in an enclosed room, however well ventilated, but outside! For the muck on the wood itself, do not use acetone as this will spoil the finish. Turpentine, more paper towels, and a lot of patience are probably the necessary ingredients in this case.


Patrick

*try the turpentine first

[Mike Haas]

Rock Island 995XX. I have cleaned cosmoline before but when I took this thing apart...OOOF. I almost don't know where to begin. Chemical, heat, black plastic in sun? Suggestions anyone?

Get the following items..1 qt spray bottle of GREASED LIGHTENING (can be found grocery stores/Dollar store/Walmart) - 1 roll paper towels-1 old toothbrush and a handfull of Q-Tips.
Get a old towel od section of carboard box to absorb the drippings. Spray the stock from top down heavily - the crud will just roll off. Wipe with Paper towels and repeat again immediately. Obviously use the tooth brush & Q-tips where neccesary Continue the process until you no longer draw heavy color/dirt from the wood. I use high pressure air from my shop compressor to blow out the small areas sfter cleaning with the TB & Q-tips. Let dry inside (no sunlight) for 24 hrs and apply BLO- I usually aply 3 coats 24hrs apart and lighty buff with an old cotton sock between coats. Process will not damage cartouches etc.
Quick & easy & doesn't damage anything.

[pcaru1]

@patrick- definately not under-car paint. I have both those chemicals and will try them.

[pcaru1]

@ RCS
Here are more pics. The bolt only has a punch mark under the handle.

[pcaru1]

@ Mike
I have seen that stuff. I will try it.

---------- Post added at 11:33 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:32 AM ----------

This grease/cosmoline is stiff. This rifle looks to have been in storage for some time like this.

I guess that's better than being runny...

[Mike D]

I've heard very hot water to melt/wash it off the metal, immediately followed by oil bath. Anybody tried that?

[supercub]

I haven't done a mess that big, but have done a lot of parts and peices. I found that Loctite ODC-Free Cleaner & Degreaser worked very well. It's a mild citrus based product and when spayed on cosmoline, it melts it and a nylon brush strips it off. Beats the stink of the harsher stuff and as suggested, put down some newspapers to soak it up.

My two cents

Kurt

[Promo]

Though I might not have to add that much, I love this rifle. Find a nice correct stock for it to make it look original back again. Are there any markings on the bolt (locking lug or bolt handle) to find out if it's the original one?