Black and brown metal bits
 

So sorry to be asking another question. I know I've read the answer somewhere but I can't find it.

I've got two very old 15k's and I am struggling to get them clean. The metal bits on one are black and the other they are dark brown. The metal polish I am using is not touching them (autosol). Should I be using some kind of solvent on them first? I am at the point of giving up on these two machines as they are in such bad condition but I really don't want to do that.

Clare

I'm having trouble visualizing what you are talking about. Got any pics?
I have a Singer 15 and a Singer 201 with black chrome metal.
Is the dark brown rust, cigarette smoke residue, dried up oil or what?

here is some black chrome
[ATTACH=CONFIG]382640[/ATTACH]

Hi Miriam,

Here are some pictures

[ATTACH=CONFIG]382645[/ATTACH]
This is the "black" one (not completely black but the discolouration looks black rather than brown).

[ATTACH=CONFIG]382646[/ATTACH]
This is from the same machine.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]382647[/ATTACH]
This is from the second machine, the bobbin winder and stitch length regulator are very brown.

I tried cleaning up the back plate from this second machine and I've got it a lot cleaner than it was but in no way does it look as good as I would like it to (still lots of black areas on it). I'll try and get pictures of it.

Clare

It looks like some of the plating has come off on the decorative bits.
How much do you want to take off? Muv has a great video about doing a gentle cleaning.
It looks like decals have already been partly removed. You can go with harsh chemical cleaners if you aren't worried about paint, decals or your health. I have a Singer 15 machine looks like someone used a belt sander to take off a good deal of paint. It will have to go way smooth to repaint. It is a lot of work.
In my opinion, I would clean up the filthy stuff and use it as is - I bet it will make a good stitch - consider the cosmetics to be war wounds or merit badges.