Grumpa Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 I'm looking for some suggestions regarding the dis-assembly, and the removal of glue from probably a 40 year old build. I want to restore a build that is, in some areas, falling apart from the drying of the old blue. Probably Testors from a tube. Some of the pieces are still adhered pretty well. Is there a way to soften this old glue so the parts can be removed without damaging the surrounding areas? Soaking the model in vinagar maybe? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erik Smith Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 I don't think anything will soften the glue - it works by softening the plastic and melting two plastic parts together. I have had luck with a combination of the "freezer" method and just slowly picking parts apart. A lot of painted and chrome joints should pop apart (most of my old kits don't have parts scraped). The freezer method simply involves getting the model wet, put it in a tub or bag, and place it in the freezer for a few hours. The water expansion will break parts loose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jw78z28 Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 try wgetting the parts wet than place them in the freezer for a day or two. never tryed vinagar before herd it works. I have found that luck has a lot to do with getting them apart without damage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TooOld Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 I saw this tip on another site . It's Model Master Acryl Dried Paint Solvent made for removing the really " Hot " paint from R/C Lexan bodies . It suppossedly wil soften dried glue in a few minutes , however it will destroy the plastic if left on too long so use it sparingly ! I found some at Tower Hobbies for less than $6 bucks but haven't recieved it yet . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elliot949 Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 I use just good old mineral spirits ... sometimes the old plastic will get a little brittle so use caution... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grumpa Posted January 10, 2013 Author Share Posted January 10, 2013 Thanks for the tips Guys! I may give the freezer method a shot. That sounds like a fairly safe route. We'll see. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.