Restore or Keep Original?

[AJFord54]

I acquired this towel rack from an 82 year old gentleman who was retiring from his gas station repair business.  As you can see, it is covered in grease and oil.  I'm going to ask the age-old question of you folks - "should I clean it or leave as is"?

This is a funny business.  We choose to restore our cars to look like they came from the factory, yet other times we go the HPOF route.  I have a beautifully restored Kendall gas pump, and also have a really nice Atlantic Wayne 60 "as found".  From pedal cars to toys, the debate goes on - restore or leave as is.

What would you do with this?  Frankly, even if you touch it, the grease gets all over your hands.  Thoughts?

Edited October 16, 2016 by AJFord54 (see edit history)

[Xander Wildeisen]

I think cleaning it, to get back to the original finish. Is a good thing. If you pull a original car from a barn, you would clean and detail it. To show it's original finish in the best light. There is a difference between original condition and dirty.

[Walt G]

I have used waterless hand cleaner (non grit kind) to clean similar items, it doesn't affect the graphics or the paint.

Once cleaned it can be waxed and you have the best of both worlds.

[JACK M]

If you are going to use it it would be counterproductive to leave it all grimy.

Personally, I would clean it.

[alsancle]

Just clean it.

[John348]

After you clean it the decision will be easier

[60FlatTop]

"Would you like to clean up in my garage?"

 

I think if someone bought that from me they would rephrase it to "I bought this towel rack from a dirty old man..."

 

Lucky it wasn't the continuous cloth towel.

Bernie

[auburnseeker]

I would clean it with WD 40.  It will clean all the heavy grease off without affecting the paint at all.  You can then clean it more with lighter fluid.  I did it to inner fenders on my 36 Chrysler with original lacquer  paint and then clear coated them without a single fish eye.  You may be able to clean it all in 1 step with lighter fluid on a paper towel.  Hard to say without seeing it in person.  Just be careful around the graphic until you are sure it won't be affected.  A framing store I know uses the stuff to clean photographs.  I suggest paper towels so you can burn them once done so you don't have flammable material laying around your shop.  I throw mine in the woodstove or use it to light the woodstove works great.  I bought a similar towel rack that was very dusty with stains and surface rust just starting on it.  Looks awesome now without repainting. 

[auburnseeker]

With the grease off and stickers,  looks like it was painted at some time with a 4 inch brush and thick paint so you aren't losing much by restoring it. 

[Xander Wildeisen]

Wash it in the sink, when the wife is gone? You are a brave man, that is up there with doing powder coating in the oven when they are gone.. As far as the resto goes. The piece does not have a high value, have some fun with it. Take some of your pictures of your cars, shop or garage logo, family or friends. And have a sign company. Scan the images and do a vinyl wrap on the piece. It will turn out nice, and have a personal touch. And then match the theme you have in your shop. It could also be repurposed ,to have a new function.

[AJFord54]

I just completed the towel rack and thought I'd show you the final results.  I especially like this dispenser as the towels are in a different place than many that were available.

Edited November 3, 2016 by AJFord54 (see edit history)

[John348]

Looks GREAT!

[Luv2Wrench]

Yeah, that's an awesome job!!

 

[auburnseeker]

Good choice on the restoration.  If it still had the original paint and what not,  I would have been inclined to leave it alone but since it had been poorly rehabbed over the years a restoration was in order.  Nice job.