Polishing the chassis

[ketron281989]

Hi guys, I have a question, I am cleaning this Magnavox chassis CT-274 and have noticed that is cadmium plated. I am sure it was nice and shiny at one point. Would it look good polished or should I leave it, I noticed that after I clean it with windex or rubbing alcohol it quickly dulls.

[wa2ise]

Originally Posted by ketron281989

...Magnavox chassis CT-274 and have noticed that is cadmium plated. ... Would it look good polished or should I leave it, ...

i'd leave it, cadmium is supposed to be bad for you anyway, polishing it may get some of it loose and inside you. But I wouldn't call the hazmat team on it, If I recall correctly it's not that deadly...

[bandersen]

I've polished up a few radio chassis, but generally I don't bother.
More info on toxicity here. Seems to me the biggest concern is exposure on an industrial scale or over a long time span.

[Eric H]

If it's oxidized and turned to a yellow powder on the chassis then I think it's more toxic.
In those cases I wear rubber gloves and a mask while cleaning it up, I usually resort to Rustoleum Jelly to remove it, it takes it down to the bare steel which can rust so painting it afterwards is usually required.

If it's just dirty and dusty then a mild cleaner is good.

The chassis in the picture you posted actually looks really good, I'd stick to minimum cleaning on that one.

[Phil Nelson]

With TV chassis, I usually get rid of any grime and rust and then figure it looks as good as it ever did.

The vast majority of TVs did not have shiny show-off chassis like the chrome-plated pre-war Scott radios. The only exception I've heard of is the Radio Craftsman, which was sold as a bare chassis to be installed in a custom cabinet.

Phil Nelson

[Username1]

Use something like Noxon, and then car wax.

[mstaton]

Brass polish also works and it's cheap.