• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Wardsweb, what the heck do you use to get those amps so clean??

  • Thread starter Thread starter prix
  • Start date Start date
P

prix

Guest
I've seen the photos of the Harman Kardon A500 you have. What product did you use to clean the chassis, RCA jacks, and what did you use on the faceplate that cleaned it so well but didn't remove the lettering? Anybody else have any favorite products they can recommend? In the past I've always cleaned my amps and faceplates with LPS 1 and a soft toothbrush, but they never look as clean as that A500 that Wardsweb has.
 
Register to hide this ad
111134.jpg


Happich Simichrome metal polish
 
Originally posted by Wardsweb
111134.jpg


Happich Simichrome metal polish
Click to expand...


And this stuff is not abrasive? Is it safe to use of faceplates, lettering, etc??
 
It is a very fine polish that has the consistency of a creme finer than tooth paste. It won't scratch, as evident by all the stuff I use it on, which is everything shiney you see of mine.

Locally you can get it at a select grocery store, jewelry store, and home restoration store. You can buy it on line all day, even Ebay. Just do a search for it in Yahoo.
 
Don't be fooled what he uses is not so important as plain old hard work and elbow grease, you must realize he probably polished the thing for hundreds of hours. So the most important element in getting a Wards look to your gear is to have an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ;)
 
Originally posted by Wardsweb
It is a very fine polish that has the consistency of a creme finer than tooth paste. It won't scratch, as evident by all the stuff I use it on, which is everything shiney you see of mine.

Locally you can get it at a select grocery store, jewelry store, and home restoration store. You can buy it on line all day, even Ebay. Just do a search for it in Yahoo.
Click to expand...



Thanks, but I'm still confused as to whether or not this will harm a faceplate? Will it leave hairline scratches or remove lettering??
 
here is my foreplay done with simichrome. I could not achieve a mirror finish if any scratches were created, no matter how fine.
 
I have used Semichrome polish on a lot of things, but I have had instances where it removed lettering from a faceplate that was silk-screened on. I would be careful. Being a motorcyclist, I get it at motorcycle dealers (lots of chrome on motorcycles!). I have also used something called "Der Real Stuff" which is used by custom motorcycle builders, and is a bit milder (actually quite a bit milder) than Semichrome and less likely to harm finishes, especially painted ones. The manufacturer is here:

http://www.4realstuff.com/dreal.html

You can also pick it up at Harley-Davidson dealers.

hifi.jpg
 
Originally posted by Wardsweb
here is my A500 done with simichrome
Click to expand...


I've got a question for you...I just picked up a Fisher X-202-C. Which do you think would sound better and is more worth fixing up....the Harman Kardon A500 or the Fisher?
 
Originally posted by Wardsweb
111134.jpg


Happich Simichrome metal polish
Click to expand...


Also, what tool to you use for the polishing? Toothbrush? Rag? Pardon me also, but I'm still confused, did you or didn't you use this stuff for the faceplate? If so, did you work around the lettering or polish right over it with no problems?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I use a old piece of kitchen towel to polish and a old bath towel to buff. And yes, I used this stuff on the faceplate you see. I removed it, laid if flat on the kitchen table and polished the whole thing at one time. Then took the bath towel and using it flat against my whole hand buffed the faceplate.
 
Sorry to bring up a way-old thread here, but I have a Harman Kardon TA5000X receiver--basically an A500 plus a tuner--that I would like to clean up and I came across this thread.

The chassis of my unit has some caked-on grime.

My question is: Wardsweb or others, would you recommend cleaning it with something else before polishing with the Simichrome? Or should the Simichrome alone take care of all of the cleaning AND polishing?
 
steelglam, yes! clean ALL caked on first with 0000 steel wool, soap water, anything that will remove it. even paint thinner for oily stuff. Just use caution around any lettering on the chassis thats painted/silkscreened on. It takes some time and best results when chassis is stripped of everything(lotta work), so work around. once down to bare chassis then polish with with your fAVORITE metal/chrome polish or any of the above mentioned. Works for me. But I stop at 0000 steel wool, leaves a nice satin swirl effect. Not for everyone tho. see my avitar pic.
 
I always clean with a paint brush first. Follow up with a microfiber cloth and plain water. Polish with a dry microfiber cloth. Very rarely do I need any other cleaning chemicals. Even then I use vinegar first.
 
A Polish called "Cape Cod polish" is also the Sh*t for fine polishing & cleaning - and hardly abrasive at all. Leaves a nice oxidation-protectant finish also....
 
Before using steel wool, try Dupont Chrome Cleaner. Its available at auto stores and will be as effective as steel wool at removing rust and deposits but without the abrasive characteristic of steel wool. Yes it will take longer.

Simichrome or some of the liquid aluminum polishes (petroleum distillate with jeweler's rouge in suspension) will both put that mirror shine on. But I am not aware of anything that will leave silkscreened lettering intact. Even Simichrome will remove it totally if you are not careful.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom