Repair & Restoration Questions for Alarm Equipment

[Fire Medic 102]

It has been my experience that you really can't "layer" your cleaner, meaning take off one layer at a time. As for the grease, oil, tar what have you, try wd-40.  Generally the patina (chemically speaking) is basically oxidation. So the WD-40 may work. Just go into it with an open mind that what ever you use, will run a chance of removing the oxidation. Try it in on a hidden area first maybe. Keep us up to date & good luck.

[eng22ine]

Medic 102...Thank you for the suggestion.  I tried WD-40 and it actually did a pretty good job on a lot of the black stuff.  I googled the web and also found a recipe to clean brass without destroying the patina.  You take some table salt and add lemon juice to make a slurry.  Rub this on the brass with a clean cotton rag.  I used this in combination with the WD-40 and got good results.  This takes a bit of elbow grease but it is worth the effort.  The bell now looks pretty nice!  Thank you again...and stay low.

[daysleeper47]

I have an old fire extinguisher. Would the slurry work on that as well?

[eng22ine]

I have an old copper soda acid extinguisher which I wanted to look mint, so I cleaned it with a combination of Brasso and some paste polish.  With the gong, on the other hand, I wanted to preserve the old patina underneath all of the dirty, stained mess.  The salt and lemon juice may work for your extinguisher.  It depends on the look you are trying to achieve.  Either way it will take a fair bit of work.  When I cleaned my extinguisher it took about 8 full hours, off and on, to get the look I wanted...and this is with chemicals.  The slurry was advertised for cleaning brass but I don't see why it won't work on copper.  Good luck on your project and be prepared for it to take some time...no matter which method you choose!!

[Fire Medic 102]

Every copper water can I have done I have done on a buffer using a combination of different buffing compounds. I can do a real nice job in about 3 hours on a buffer, with a couple of different buffing wheels, and a couple different mediums. I just use an old bench grinder I bought at a garage sale for $30, and put the buffing wheels on, nothing fancy. I have also used wire wheels to do aggresive cleaning on brass couplings. Then I buff with a red rouge. Once completed I almost immediately hand apply a paste wax, then re-buff. Remember, you are cleaning oxidation, and exposed to air, it will start to re-oxidize. Some people clear the item with a poly clear of some sort. I use the wax, even though you will have to reapply every few years, you won't get the yellowing associated with poly clears. Start to finish, expect about 4-5 hours depending on your speed.

[CTFF1475]

I recently purchased a Gamewell 51 model Three Fold fire alarm box. I am beginning to restore the box and I need to remove the white door which covers the pull hook. If someone could give me some suggest on removing this. I also need to know how to remove the hook portion also.

[PFD1]

Open the main door and on the back side, up and to the left of the number plate screws there should be a lone screw that holds tension on the spring. Loosen that screw. Go back to the outside and tap out the rod that holds the quick acting door on. Start at the lock side and tap it out to the right.

The hook is held on by a retaining ring on the inside of the main door. It can be taken off with a screw driver.

[truckhound]

Hi,
I am looking for a replacement Number plate for my Gamewell herculite box.  Is there anyone that supplies these?

Thanks

[LynbrookFD379]

I have a Gamewell Fire Alarm Box and the pull lever in the front of the box keeps falling. I bought a new spring but do not know how to install it. I can't get the hindge pin out. Is there a particular way to get that pin out so I can replace the spring?

[firemedic421]

I am looking for a spring for a 10" Gamewell house gong. If anyone knows of where I might find one I would greatly appreciate it. You can email me at brian.moat@comcast.net    Thanks.

[gls24]

Contact Tom Donathan...."almdoc" on this forum.