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WWII Fighter Pilots Goggles

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PAUL161

PAUL161

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I have my dads goggles that have been in storage for many years and due to the heat where they were stored, the face rubber actually melted on the frames and glass. I have them apart to restore them, is there any solvent that will dissolve the foam type rubber? They are military issue, nickle plated brass frames with night time orange glass lenses. I think I can get the replacement face rubbers, but removing the old stuff is challenging. PJ
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Paul - contact Dawn Wallace, conservator, Smithsonian American History Museum.

https://americanhistory.si.edu/contact-us

Or contact an established museum or library near you, with a conservation department.

Those "rubber" parts were made by dozens of companies; you don't know exactly what material you're working with.

Tom M.'
 
Tom, There might be a clue to who made the rubbers for these goggles as the AN number for the goggles is stamped on the hinge on front of the frames over the nose bridge, only guessing but hopeful. Thanks for the info, much appreciated. I will make contact! PJ
 
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I'd start with mineral spirits and if that doesn't work, try alcohol then acetone... work toward paint stripper cautiously.
 
DrEntropy said:
I'd start with mineral spirits and if that doesn't work, try alcohol then acetone... work toward paint stripper cautiously.
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My thoughts exactly Doc! Methylene Chloride isn't user friendly, even though I appreciate the information. If it comes down to that, I do have a mask for using those type of chemicals. I really don't want to damage the plating on the frame and even like to keep the patina as is, but I do want to restore them and give them to my son, he loves family "treasures". :encouragement:

Dad was 90 when he passed, approximately 12 years ago. Miss him. :blue:
 
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