Bakelite parts repair

Topics Last Day Last Week Tree View    Getting Started Formatting Troubleshooting Program Credits    New Messages Keyword Search Contact Moderators Edit Profile Administration
Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2014: Bakelite parts repair
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David J. Holland on Thursday, October 30, 2014 - 12:23 pm:

Old Bakelite parts such as ignition switches and horn buttons will disintegrate over time. Cracks and broken pieces are common. The original Bakelite was produce in Germany and made from "wood flour and formaldehyde." The common colors were black and brown with a shiny smooth finish. To restore the Bakelite, coat it with JB Weld, sparingly and within three minutes. The coating will be gray. Let it cure for a few days and use enamel gloss color in black or dark brown to finish.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jerry VanOoteghem on Thursday, October 30, 2014 - 01:10 pm:

The original Bakelite was made in the USA and was invented by a Belgian, Leo Baekeland.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leo_Baekeland


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mike Spaziano, Bellflower, CA. on Thursday, October 30, 2014 - 01:36 pm:

It was a safe alternative to celluloid which was invented by John Wesley Hyatt. Yeah, THAT Hyatt.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David J. Holland on Thursday, October 30, 2014 - 02:05 pm:

Yes it was produced in the USA at the Garford/General Industries plant in Elyria, Ohio. (My home town)
They also made horns and many small parts for Ford and other manufactures. Stamping as well as 'plastic' parts. I understood the invention was patented in Germany and the license was bought by Arthur Garford. Bakelite products were produced at the plant into the 1960s. TV cabinets and cash drawers for example.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gary White on Thursday, October 30, 2014 - 05:41 pm:

David,

I've had good luck restoring mid-to-late 30's Ford /Sheller steering wheels using a combination of super glue mixed with ground bakelite.

Cracks are V-ground (making sure I save the "dust"), then filled with said dust, CA glue, and more dust (before the CA is cured). Once the crack is filled, I wetsand with 600, 800, and 1500. If the repair is detectable, I paint with appropriate colored lacquer and wetsand, cut, polish, and buff.

Here's some work I did on a '36 Ford steering wheel;





Posting is currently disabled in this topic. Contact your discussion moderator for more information.
Topics Last Day Last Week Tree View    Getting Started Formatting Troubleshooting Program Credits    New Messages Keyword Search Contact Moderators Edit Profile Administration