Ventilation - cleaning and repair, Trying to clean my ventilation components after I removed the ecosystem of having stood in a field for 4 years Options

[alungershausen]

Hi,

I am wondering how to best clean the black bakelite (?) parts (fresh air box, defroster nozzle, control box). I have used the vinegar soak and my ultrasound cleaner, but in both cases the water partially turned black. I am worried that I am "washing" out particles that ultimately weaken the parts.

There are also a few corners that broke off. What is the best way to glue these back on?

Thanks for your awesome help,

[DC_neun_vierzehn]

If they’re just dirty, hot soapy water and a terry cloth towel should do the trick. That 50+ year old Bakelite plastic is very fragile. You have to be gentle removing the parts, cleaning them, and re-installing them.

There are plenty of these spare parts out there since so many of these cars have rusted out bodies. Post a WTB ad in the Classifieds section for the parts that are broken. I have so spares laying around that you can have for the cost of shipping.