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OK I am sure this has been discussed before, but being new I need to ask. I just traded for my first machine. A Westinghouse WC-96T. (see picture below). Many friends and family members have stated they like it looking old as opposed to refinished to look like new. I have it for more of a conversation piece to go along with other odd stuff I have like an old gas pump, parking meters... OK here is the question. Has anyone had any luck with rubbing or polishing compounds to clean and brighten up the machine vs repainting?

Meguiars makes some great polishing and cleaners that can really make all the difference. You can grab these at hardware or any automotive stores. I see you live in Houston as I do, so head over to ACE or O'Reillys to pick up some. Get a few rubbing pads to apply.

Here was the latest post related to this topic:

http://soda-machines.com/discussions/index.php/topic,15306.20.html

Personally, I'd just buff out the paint on that machine, you'd be surprised at what you can do with a little elbow grease.  You've got a lot of real estate there, so an electric buffer with a foam pad might be the best bet.

Watch out around the embossing, the paint is usually thin around there and you'll rub it right off.

If you don't like the way it comes out after a cleaning, then consider repainting it.

There use to a old thread that Moondawg posted on and used some type of cleaner that will help the white painted area and that rust.. I'm sure he'll chime in. You will be surprised how that will clean up.

Around any decals as well

I'll chime in for what to clean the white. It's aersol Aircraft Paint stripper sold at NAPA and such places. Very toxic and tweeky stuff.
Won't help on the rust but will take top layer of grime right off. Read and follow all instructions and practice in a small area's first.

Can't stress enough how quick this stuff will take all the paint off in a New York second. It will burn skin and if you get in your eyes very,very bad.

Safety warning finished. I use it all the time great product just a bit spendy.
Creighton

 Has anyone ever tried a Magic Eraser. Im also an arcade collector and thats what everyone uses to clean the ouside of their machines. It will easily take off years of smoke build up, dirt and oil left from peoples hands. They work like a charm.

I have good luck with  number 1 or 2 buffing compound. Start out using a hand pad and if you feel good about it use a slow turning electric buffer. You will be happy with the shine you get with buffing wax

@davin, they use it on the wood or the glass or chrome?

Magic Erasers are basically 3000 grit wet/dry. They will work on most anything just soap and water clean everything first. A piece of sand or metal caught in the ME will scratch.
Creighton

     Here's a machine that came in today.
     Sprayed some of this "Rustmort" on the rust area, let it soak, scrubbed then rinsed.

holy cow. Is that a local sale item? It is at summit racing, but I want to try that tomorrow!!

Wow, those photos should be on the commercial for Rustmort!  Going to pick up some of that for the next machine, thanks Glen

I agree, that looks great

   Mostly use it on the control panels and the sides of the machines. It will do wonders on the control panel cause most of that is just oil and dirt from peoples hands over the years.

     Better yet, maybe we should re-label this stuff in 2oz bottles
and sell it online. :biggrin:

     I was asked in an PM to detail application, but I'll explain it here.

     This product is made to neutralize rust before painting and it seems to just suck it right out of the pores and up onto the surface. Works best on white and won't hurt color but it will stain if left on too long.
     Spray it or dab it on, I watch it work for about 20 minutes, brushing it gently and then rinse. I try not to rub directly on the painted letters, and just let the chemicals do the work.
      Keep in mind the white paint is pretty thin after all these years so excess rubbing on a stubborn spot, or buffing should be done with care. I always experiment on a small section on the back of each machine to start.
     Since this project will require such a small amount of material, there is plenty left in the bottle for other uses like rust on chrome or fasteners, and especially the surface rust on the floor of inner linners.

Thanks, I ordered up a bottle, will see how it goes. 

Got it in the mail today, I'm not expecting miracles cause the one i'm doing is a little worse then yours to start, but I'm hopeful for the price.

Is it OK to get it on the gaskets.....?  I think that stuff would do wonders for my 80....It is showing alittle rust on the white but not near that bad....O'Raileys Auto parts carry it in my area....Just to be sure the number on the bottle is 69508 correct....?

Thank you for the tip Moondawg....

Brian

It dripped onto the cement floor and does quite a job on that, but I got it on the rubber and it didn't hurt anything. The should have the MSDS when you buy it.

Before

After.

Pretty good, still have to wax it. I think it may need another coat on the right side for that streak, but its chemical, not paint. Works good, do NOT get it on the red, I cleaned it off but where it dripped down it left streaks, a couple the paint lifted. It still cleaned it up pretty good for $12 while I'm waiting on a full restoration job.

I'm going to get some of that. Looks fantastic!