Pre 29 presentation case restoration UPDATED 10/16

GO TO THE BOTTOM FOR THE INTERIOR

About a month ago I ran a thread about the 4 screw pre 29 I picked up. I told you in the original thread that it came with the original vinyl covered presentation case, but the case was in rough shape. The inside was mildewed an oil stained, the elasticized thread for the tools (none present) was rotted away, and the outside was covered with dry paint specks and generally just really dirty. Here it is as it came to me:







Well, I enjoy a project. I have been working on the exterior slowly. I got the paint off by working on about 1 square inch at a time. Trial and error showed that the two things that worked the best were Armor All and just plain baby oil, alternating in conjunction with one another. Armor All was a better cleaner, but baby oil was real good for getting under all those specks and loosening them up. I would wet the area with baby oil on a Q tip and let it sit a minute. I then would use a large dull pin (the kind flower corsages come with for pinning on) and gently scrape each fleck until it lifted. I would then follow up with a Q tip of Armor All to clean the grime off and impart a shine.

Here are some pics of the progress:





As a final step, I took a well worn Scotch Brite pad and the Armor All and went over the whole outside to get any remaining grime off. There are some dings and scrapes that were there already, so I'm stuck with that. Oh here's a warning; forget about Goof Off! It says right on the label it attacks vinyl, and I tried it on a tiny spot and the Q tip came away blue! Here is how I ended up this morning:







I think I may use some wax type shoe polish to really put a shine and some protection on her. I'm thinking this case almost looks blue-black, and I know there is blue black shoe polish for little girls shoes. What do you think? Also, do you think I could touch up the gold lettering on the lid, or should I leave that alone? What would I use if I were to try?

I think its turning out quite well. The gun in question is a shooter that has already had its collector value seriously compromised, so I don't think I'm harming anything by cleaning up this case myself. Next I need to tackle the interior.

One last thing; I am in need of the proper knurled screwdriver. Does anyone have one they would be willing to part with?

Nice

I think you did a great job. The before and after pictures are really striking. Nice work.

It looks great. Many, including me, would have probably just discarded it. Outstanding job.

Looks great to me and the difference in the before and after pictures is striking.

Restoration

Excellent save. You have the instincts and skills of a fine conservationist.

Very well done!

Regards,

Dyson

Excellent job!!! I would leave the logo and lettering as they are.

Bill

great job!!

Very nicely done!! Not many would have had the patience to do that nice of a job. I would agree, leave the gold writing alone. As far as the inside goes, there is someone on the forum that has found a very close match to that cloth, but I forget who. Try the SEARCH function and you may find him. The white elastic thread should be available at any good fabric store.

Place an ad for the screwdriver in the classifieds of the forum and you may find someone with one for sale. You could also try George Wimer as he is selling off a lot of his old S&W stuff, but he is not cheap. He has a web site that you can probably find on GOOGLE.

I am amazed at the quality of your work!

That is an awesome job IMO. I don't have that kind of patience.

Forum member jcelect can restore the interior. He does outstanding work, and has for many of us over the years. He is pretty quick on turn around normally, great to deal with, and an expert on all these old cases. Give him a shout at-

[email protected]

Nice work. I really enjoy it when I or someone else brings something back from the brink of "it's not worth the effort". You work shows that it can be. I would imagine that using that pin on those paint spots was a nerve wracking experience as it would not take very much to prick that vinyl and then it would look like a cat sharpened his claws on the case. Impressive work and patience. As an afterthought, I would be afraid to use a colored shoe polish. Sometimes the coloration does not go on evenly. I think I would get some clear and try that. It wil give it a little sheen and maintain the integrity of the color.

WOW. Don't know as wax would stick now that you have used the oil and armor all on it. Might want to leave it as is.
DW

Excellent resto work!

To give it some shine and help rejuvenate the outside in the process see if you can't find some 303 Protectant.
It's what Armour All should be, but isn't.

Armour All has been known to fade certain types of vinyl, why I don't know. A close friend used to own a business re-doing car interiors and told me if I ever used Armour All on any of my interior vinyl he'd kick my butt. He added that there was no rhyme or reason to which types it would effect, at least based on his limited knowledge of the subject, and that it had to be due to the makeup of the specific vinyl involved.

I've used 303 for at least 15 years with no ill effects to report...........

BRAVO! I love a good restoration project / story. You salvaged a valuable presentation case. Can't just buy them off the shelf anymore!

I have had some good success with Renaissance wax on Blue boxes to protect and restore a satin sheen to the faded paper. If you can remove most of the glossy Armor all, try the Ren wax to give a less glossy appearance.

Good luck with the interior. Bob

Part II Interior

Well I started the interior yesterday. The pretty ladies at the fabric store were great when it came to helping me match the interior fabric. I ended up buying some blue taffetta, which I think matched pretty well.

I did the top last night. This was the easier piece since it is basically just a flat piece of cardboard. I added a backing of hobby felt just to give it a more cushioned look. I used hot glue to attach the fabric which worked out OK, but I think I'm going to try something else on the bottom. I think the intricacies of the bottom cut will require something with a little longer working time.

Here's how it came out. I think the color match is pretty good



Like I said, I think the bottom is going to be much harder. I also want to figure out a way to pad/back the bottom. On the existing case, the satin fabric just sits over the cutout for the gun. Its no wonder the sight and hammer spur eventually poke through. I also have the elasticized thread for the tools. I still need to acquire the correct screwdriver. or at least one close. I have the later fluted one, and an early prewar steel knurled one, but I'm hoping my luck will continue.

You are doing a fantastic restoration. Good luck on finishing the job, and you should be able to find the correct sight adjustment tool as well. I found three different older ones on Ebay at reasonable prices.

Be careful!

Be very careful when applying solvents and oils to the exterior of these cases! The original covering is not vinyl it is a paper product and will absorb oils and solvents. For the final finish to the exterior I use Johnsons & Johnsons Paste Wax. You will wax the case as you would your car! This case exterior was not near as bad as yours.


For the interior I fabricate a complete new liner. The original system of cardboard is about worthless and too difficult to work with! This is a case I have done for a collector!


Sir, you have salvaged a piece of history that most would have tossed into the trash. Also in doing this, you have increased the value of your case by probably 300%. Congrats on a job well done!
jcelect SWCA#LM723

Patrick L & JCELECT,

Great work guys! I have a question.

Did you guys do anything to restore the brass shine on the latch/hinges?

I have one that I'm restoring and the case is coming out great but my latch is tarnished to the point it looks like the plating has come off.

Patrick L....I like your idea of using hobby felt to cushion the top. Can't wait to see what you do with the bottom. Please show pics when you get to it.

Now that I've got the case, trying to find the gun that goes in it. Now...that's backwards!
Thanks,
Craig....

Congrats on your labor of love!

Wow, baby oil......who'd a thunk it!