Japanese Militaria at Castle-Thunder.com

[sandsnow]

Hello, Been a while since I was here.
I got two Arisakas with bad rust. I would like to know what has worked for you if you've had a similar project.
I have used vinegar in rusty motorcycle tanks which worked well. I'm not sure of any cons with guns. I would need a long tank to soak the rifles though.
So far I have just used some oil and toothbrush to uncover markings.
I have used oil and steel wool before but that took the bluing underneath off.
I also need help with cleaning up the wood.
One is a Type 38 Series 27, matching parts, missing dust cover and cleaning rod
The other is a Type 99 Series 6, missing dust cover, cleaning rod and AA wings.
Thanks

[gwsiii]

I think those will clean up pretty good, the 38 I believe will really surprise you. I am no expert but NO VINEGAR, it etches the metal especially, if its too concentrated. I used it once to remove some cold blue, and afterwards, I wished I would have just spent the elbow grease and taken it off with steel wool.

I'd soak both metal and wood in liberal amounts of wd40. Then,

For the metal:
Spray on wd40, using 0000 steel wool, brass, or nickel wool (whatever grade) lightly go over the metal only, spray down, wipe down, spray, clean, repeat. Lots of light cleanings works better than one vigorous cleaning. I frequently go through lots of paper towels for wipe down.

For the wood, a similar tactic, but no steel wool or anything abrasive. Just spray the wood with wd40 let soak a bit, and wipe down with paper towels or a rag. repeat, until you're satisfied with the outcome. I don't think you'll get it back to new, but you should be able to get most of the gunk off. There's a pretty one under there.

The wd40 is good for degreasing/degrunging and softening the rust. It doesn't seem to soak in to the wood or harm the finish (on original finish rifles). Once you're done, spray down and wipe until the towels come away clean and all the 'grit' is gone. then wipe with dry paper towels. When all done, go back over the metal with you favorite preservative lubricant. Mine is a combination of wd40, ballistol, and a little 10w40, being careful to just wipe it on the metal. the motor oil will darken the wood if you use it too often on the wood.

I've never gotten around to before/after pictures on a project like that, maybe one day in the future I can do before/after to illustrate the point.
Good luck and keep me posted.
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[sandsnow]

Thanks for the suggestions!! I'll come back with some after photos

[sandsnow]

Here is the Type 99. I used WD penetrating spray and scotchbrite. I used dremel attachment 280 grit on some stubborn areas. Did get down to metal in some areas, but oh well. I'm pretty happy with it. I forgot abot WD for the stock. I used steel wool lightly. I rubbed cutting board oil on it after. I think it brought out color pretty good.

I started the Type 38. The front trigger guard screw is frozen. I'm surprised because that rifle was pretty well greased. ANyway I think I'm going to have to drill it out. Thankfuly replacement screws are available.