Simple Question - Advice Required

[ledcollector]

Hello,

I need advice on simply *cleaning* an old Coke chest.  It's an original junior chest just purchased at a sale.  There isn't a lot of rust, at least easily visible, but it is quite dirty.  I'm not looking to restore this chest to like new.  I simply want it as clean and as shiny as naturally possible.  I'd imagine this is a stupid question in the minds of experienced restorers, but I have no experience in this area.  

What cleaning solutions are recommended?  Once clean, can it be buffed (I'm guessing not) or is a hand-rubbed paste wax recommended?  Any advice will be greatly appreciated.  I'll be tackling the project as soon as warm weather arrives.  If need be, I can post a photo.  I think this is the same forum I posted photos of my two Coke machines a few years ago.

Thanks in advance for any and all advice,

john

[collecture]

Hi John,
Auto wax is OK for the outside - careful around the embossed lettering and don't get too aggressive on stubborn stains.
CLR works great for galvanized metal - maybe you could fill the tub up with a water/CLR solution (like 10 to 1) and let it soak for a little bit along with a gentle scrub. Not too long though as the mixture will peel the galvanizing right off if left too long - maybe 10-15 minutes max.
Maybe some others will chime in with their own ideas.

[cdc1960]

CLR is great for this, so is Simple Green, in a three to one mix... again, you need to keep an eye on it, as it too can be agressive on the galvanized..

[bubba]

Welcome to the site!.. I always wash a new machine with Spray Nine inside and out, and rinse with a pressure washer.. Then I use a car buffer and a light compound and polish the outside of the machine (never done embossing though).... Then a coat of wax...

[ledcollector]

Thanks for everybody's help.  I'm not sure this will be worth buffing until I clean it.  I'll try the Spray Nine as suggested.  Now, I have a question about a missing part....will post that in the appropriate forum section.

Thanks again,

john