The Ford Barn

wrndln · 03-20-2018, 10:05 AM

I have several original terminal boxes that are in decent condition except they are weathered. I would like to know how to try to restore them to like they were when new. If anyone has a good way to "polish" or make them nice again, please post their method of renewing the box and lid.
Thanks
Rusty Nelson

Jim Mason · 03-20-2018, 10:31 AM

Soap and water, then black shoe polish. worked for me

BRENT in 10-uh-C · 03-20-2018, 11:28 AM

Jim's comments are pretty much what we have done with the exception that we use Go-Jo with the grit and a toothbrush.

28 · 03-20-2018, 11:31 AM

Clear paste wax after cleaning

MNFATS · 03-20-2018, 12:42 PM

I had great results using black paste shoe polish. I lightly glass beaded first.

BillCNC · 03-20-2018, 01:21 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I polish plastics with a product called Novus, and use it per instructions.

https://www.ebay.com/i/350270972589?chn=ps&dispItem=1

If it is as bad as you have pictured, I put it in a Tumbler with crushed finely crushed Walnut Shell and a couple of table spoons of the Novus polish and tumble for a couple of hours.

https://www.harborfreight.com/5-lb-m...ler-67617.html

https://www.harborfreight.com/25-lbs...dia-92155.html

Regards
Bill

Gary Karr · 03-20-2018, 02:05 PM

The original terminal boxes and covers we're quite crude. They made no attempt to make them shiny and smooth. I use fine brushes to clean them and leave them alone after that. Black shoe polish sounds good to freshen them up.

Bob Johnson · 03-20-2018, 05:50 PM

Note that the originals were hard rubber and not plastic or Bakelite. If they are warped you can straighten them by warming in boiling water. Then clamp to something flat.

Bob

BILL WILLIAMSON · 03-20-2018, 06:12 PM

Same way you shine an old faded car!
Bill Detailer

03-20-2018, 10:31 AM	#2
Jim Mason Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 914	Re: Terminal box renewal Soap and water, then black shoe polish. worked for me __________________ www.jmodela.coffeecup.com Fwiw, jm.

03-20-2018, 11:28 AM	#3
BRENT in 10-uh-C Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Eastern Tennessee Posts: 11,521	Re: Terminal box renewal Jim's comments are pretty much what we have done with the exception that we use Go-Jo with the grit and a toothbrush. __________________ . BRENT in 10-uh-C . www.model-a-ford.com ...(...Finally Updated!! ) .

03-20-2018, 11:31 AM	#4
28 Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Costa Mesa, CA Posts: 49	Re: Terminal box renewal Clear paste wax after cleaning

03-20-2018, 12:42 PM	#5
MNFATS Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: St. Cloud MN Posts: 835	Re: Terminal box renewal I had great results using black paste shoe polish. I lightly glass beaded first.

03-20-2018, 01:21 PM	#6
BillCNC Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: SoCal Desert Posts: 826	Re: Terminal box renewal Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I polish plastics with a product called Novus, and use it per instructions. https://www.ebay.com/i/350270972589?chn=ps&dispItem=1 If it is as bad as you have pictured, I put it in a Tumbler with crushed finely crushed Walnut Shell and a couple of table spoons of the Novus polish and tumble for a couple of hours. https://www.harborfreight.com/5-lb-m...ler-67617.html https://www.harborfreight.com/25-lbs...dia-92155.html Regards Bill

03-20-2018, 02:05 PM	#7
Gary Karr Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 1,487	Re: Terminal box renewal The original terminal boxes and covers we're quite crude. They made no attempt to make them shiny and smooth. I use fine brushes to clean them and leave them alone after that. Black shoe polish sounds good to freshen them up.

03-20-2018, 05:50 PM	#8
Bob Johnson Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: California Posts: 979	Re: Terminal box renewal Note that the originals were hard rubber and not plastic or Bakelite. If they are warped you can straighten them by warming in boiling water. Then clamp to something flat. Bob Last edited by Bob Johnson; 03-20-2018 at 05:51 PM. Reason: spel'n

03-20-2018, 06:12 PM	#9
BILL WILLIAMSON Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: FRESNO, CA Posts: 12,560	Re: Terminal box renewal Same way you shine an old faded car! Bill Detailer __________________ "THE ASSISTANT GURU OF STUFF"