posted 07-31-2004 11:48 AM               

The short answer to any future questions is, yes, I can sometimes supply missing pieces, e.g., the rendezvous antenna, the S-band antenna, etc. I will occasionally purchase a badly yellowed or junker model to use as a parts source for one of my restorations; some pieces have also been successfully reproduced (not cheaply).

Also, I've developed a technique for refinishing the metal parts of these models which yields excellent, new old-stock results; I finger rub a compound into the metal surface; this is not some cheapo silver paint respray sort of deal.

Anyone who needs parts, or perhaps desires a face-lift for their model, please feel free to contact me directly.

posted 02-11-2008 08:31 PM               

I can also report excellent results cleaning up the white/cream colored parts of these models using a soft cloth and automotive polishing compound. I had Turtle Wax but any brand is probably OK. It does a great job without scratching the plastic and in fact may even be removing any light scratches but hard to say -- in other words, it is gentle and barely abrasive. I would advise against rubbing compound which is much more abrasive unless you really want to get down to fresh plastic -- and who knows how far down the typical UV tinting goes? Plus it might be hard to recreate the original surface luster; I have not tried.

posted 09-07-2009 09:42 PM            

Thank you, in advance, for any assistance you can provide!

posted 09-20-2009 06:57 PM               

I have had my model since my childhood years when it was given to me by my father. Luckily, my model had not "yellowed" over the years,(kept in a box and survived a fair number of moves over 40 years or so) but did require a few thruster replacements and fabrication of a missing dish. In addition, my model required some touchup painting and repairs to the base.

Andy professionally restored my model to its original condition and it looks fantastic!!! Furthermore I received several updates along with pictures documenting progress.

posted 08-28-2016 11:44 PM               

I've read about temporary success of de-yellowing old plastic computers using the Retr0bright process (hydrogen peroxide, Oxy cleaner and UV), or just hydrogen peroxide bath and 6 hours in the sun.

I have also reconditioned old plastic pinball parts with Novus products, #1 being mostly a cleaner polish. I don't know it the model plastics are the same or how much it would actually improve the yellowing.

posted 08-29-2016 04:57 PM               

The result was a qualified success. The model did look whiter, but decals and such were not touched and evidence of the yellowing remained.

I know he also had some scary moments when the substance used to remove the top coat began to eat into the plastic.

Personally, I would leave well alone. If you want a whiter example, keep your eyes peeled on eBay and if one crops up buy it and swap over the various parts from the yellowed model (landing gear, antenna and such) to the newer acquisition... should that be necessary.