How would you clean this up?

[bluedog225]

I found this old crane fixture at Restore for five bucks. I’d like to clean it up, put it back in working condition, and install it in a 50’s style bathroom I’m thinking of putting together. Most likely over an old claw foot tub. Like I need another project. It’s a hefty piece of hardware and seems worth saving.

How would you go about cleaning this up? I was thinking of soaking the whole thing in vinegar for a bit to get rid of some of the scale. Is that gonna be a problem for the brass? Would regular 5% vinegar be the way to go? And would it be safe to add some salt to speed things up? Or should I be looking at something different?

Thanks

 

[kbuhagiar]

FWIW I think the clawfoot bathtub had gone out of style by the 50s. All of the authentic/unmodified 50's bathrooms I have encountered featured fully enclosed bathtubs.

 

[gorilla]

I worked for a place that did a lot of silver soldering of brass and copper. We used a diluted solution of hydrochloric acid to clean up the parts. I've used metal prep to do the same thing. Metal prep not rust converter.

 

[The Cobbler]

nice old piece, but before you get to involved, make sure you can get it apart, make sure the seats are in good shape or even replaceable .
see how worn the threads are on the stems etc.
some of those old beuts were well worn

 

[wssix99]

I would use silverware polish, a rag and child labor to bring it to a better-than-new shine.

 

[bluedog225]

I would use silverware polish, a rag and child labor to bring it to a better-than-new shine.

I knew I shoulda had kids.

 

[bb29510]

murtic

 

[ZRX61]

Get it apart first, then I'd go at the brass parts with a wire wheel on a bench grinder.

 

[carlaisle]

No salt. Regular vinegar from your preferred grocery vendor will work just fine. Submerge it in a tupperware/gladware type container, cover with plastic wrap, and come back 4 hours later. A non-abrasive brush (toothbrush or other non-metallic bristle brush) will show you if it needs more time in the vinegar bath. Be careful about leaving it too long. Given enough time the vinegar will eat that plated finish off, too. You have already been cautioned about the condition. Not all faucets are rebuildable and not all rebuildable faucets are worth rebuilding.

 

[Stuart in MN]

As mentioned take it apart first. It's a Crane, so parts are most likely available. Don't get vinegar or any other chemicals on the chrome parts. One thing to remember is it most likely doesn't have temperature control to prevent possible scalding like a modern shower fixture does, so if this project needs to be inspected it may not pass.

 

[Spareparts]

Us old farts know how to shine Brass, BRASSO kept our belt buckles shiny after we got drafted.