Speedo face cleaning

[Bluedevils39]

WLDR 108.jpgI picked up this speedo a few days ago and would like to try and bring some color back. It has a thick coat of dirt or something on it. I rubbed a little with some water and soap on a small spot, but it did nothing. Any suggestions on how to clean without running the lettering and white face?

[Budster 95]

I know one thing, dont spray anything directly on it. Whatever you use, spray it on the cloth first. Ive seen cleaners "etch" Things like this. Im not going to suggest a cleaner, because ive never cleaned a speedo face. Good luck!

[Bigincher]

The glass is gone, huh...?

[Bluedevils39]

Yes the glass was gone when I got it.

[Bigincher]

You might give John Bordas a call and ask him what he would use....

303 420 4510

And he could probably set you up with the glass and a new bezel if you need it.

[bobdo]

Bluedevils,
I don't think I am much help, but I would research how the face numerals are applied, paint, screen printing, decal...? Once you know that it might help understanding what not to do. Its hard to tell from the pic, does it look like soot from a fire? I hate to make suggestions that might damage the face. I think if it were mine I'd try a small amount of WD40 on a very soft cotton Tshirt & see if that loosens it. I'd work on a plain background area first & stay away from the numbers until you see how it goes. If you are going to try something more abrasive, I'd "sneak up on it" with a swirl remover or maybe a polishing compound. I have a feeling that the many years of baking in the sun before whatever happened to it probably made the surface more porous like flat paint. That is probably why the "dark whatever" is not coming off. Hopefully someone else has been through this & will shed some light.

[harleytoprock]

You have to be carefull, as that 37' speedo face is plated and the plating is very thin and soft. If you rub too much you will be quickly down to brass. I would not use anything abrasive. I think bobdo's WD40 advise is good.