I just purchased a Model 66 redeye Treadle machine. The parts that should be shiny have rust spots, especially the flywheel. What can I use to get this off and get the shine back?
This machine sews great. Was made in 1923.
TIA,
Chris

Have you tried anything? A fine grade sand paper, or steel wool? I think that's what naval jelly is for. I know it's not for belly button lint.lol

Naval jelly is great stuff for removing rust from coated surfaces. I used to use it on old bathtubs with good success.

I think you can use naval jelly on just about anything. That stuff is great

You can use a mixture of salt and white vinegar to remove rust. Or coca cola from what I understand.

I am not sure the naval jelly would be safe for the chrome. What I used was Mother's Mag and Aluminum polish. Pics of my restore are in Billy's tutorial about cleaning your vintage machine. I will warn you that it takes elbow grease like you hear about!

I soak my rusty parts (including nickel plated parts like handwheels, slide plates, etc) in Evaporust.

In fact, I soak just about everything in Evaporust even if it's not rusty. It floats away even hardened oil/lint/gunk overnight and they're clean - ready to polish and put back in place.

It's safe for plated surfaces and non-toxic. It's cheap and reuseable until it turns black. You can find it at auto parts stores. :)

I have read on other message boards that molasses removes rust. Haven't tried it. They were talking about diluting it, I think 4 parts water to 1 part molasses, and soaking the rusty part in it.