Cleaning A Beseler 45MX

[rF0t0]

Any tips? mainly on what i could use to clean the bellows?

 

[Pinholemaster]

Depends on how dirty.

Start by vacuuming out the interior. External appearance doesn't much matter unless dirt is dripping off it.

 

[rF0t0]

the inside is pretty much spotless but a lot of dust is stuck on the bellows on the outside, also "External appearance doesn't much matter" is your opinion but if i don't clean this, it will slowly kill me.

 

[dpurdy]

Be careful with that vacuum if it is a strong as mine and if your Beseler is as old as mine. I wouldn't use dish soap on it either.
Dennis

 

[rF0t0]

a picture of the bellows should be attached so you get an idea.

 

[BradS]

It doesn't look too bad too me...(but, I know what you mean about it slowly killing you!)

I cleaned mine with a sponge and warm soapy water. I a tiny bit of used ordinary (Dawn) dish soap in a gallon of warm water. After gingerly wiping off the accumulated grime and dirt, simply wipe with a clean dry terry cloth towel and let air dry in a warm dry place....no big deal.

 

[ic-racer]

I have had good results with 409 spray on both vinyl and cloth covered bellows:

.

 

[JBrunner]

When I got mine (since moved on to a good home) the bellows were pretty gungy. A little 409 gently worked to remove the dirt, and then to top it off, some black Kiwi shoe polish. Polished off the polish, Shazam! looked great.

 

[rF0t0]

409? can i find that at kmart? walmart?

 

[JBrunner]

409? can i find that at kmart? walmart?

Yes, it's just a spray cleaner. There are other similar products. The kind of spray cleaner that is a grease cutter, and says "do not use on glass".

 

[rF0t0]

kool so there aren't any agents in that, that could harm the bellows? also would anyone know the kind of paint used to paint the 45mx black? my base board frame is picked and has some rust. I'm thinking a hobby shop would have it right?

 

[JBrunner]

kool so there aren't any agents in that, that could harm the bellows? also would anyone know the kind of paint used to paint the 45mx black? my base board frame is picked and has some rust. I'm thinking a hobby shop would have it right?

It looks like an enamel paint to me, but IDK.

Mulling over the 409 thing, I may have used glass cleaner. 409 shouldn't be used on vinyl, and I don't know if the bellows are vinyl or kid. I may have thought about 409, but tried glass cleaner first. My brain thingie is getting like that. You might want to try a mild cleaner like that first. If it does the job, you're gold. You can always move up.

 

[rF0t0]

It looks like an enamel paint to me, but IDK.

Mulling over the 409 thing, I may have used glass cleaner. 409 shouldn't be used on vinyl, and I don't know if the bellows are vinyl or kid. I may have thought about 409, but tried glass cleaner first. My brain thingie is getting like that. You might want to try a mild cleaner like that first. If it does the job, you're gold.

how can i identify what the bellows are made off? any characteristics to look for? also lol i've seen some of your videos a long time ago, funny.

 

[JBrunner]

Thanks man.

The skin pattern of a vinyl bellows will be perfect and uniform. You may have to look very close. IIRC Beseler bellows is vinyl.

 

[rF0t0]

the bellows look gridy? if thats even a word.

 

[JBrunner]

Almost certainly vinyl.

 

[rF0t0]

so the 405 would be fine with this? is there a specific "dilution" like with other cleaning products where some don't have bleach or whatever? that i should go for?

 

[JBrunner]

409 properly called "Formula 409" is simply a spray cleaner. Spray it on, wipe it off. It may harm some vinyl, so if you are going to use it test a little spot first. I would personally start with a milder cleaner, like glass cleaner or white vinegar.