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4GSR
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Most all machinery came painted black in the 1800's to early 1900's. The gray tones started showing up in the late 1920's early 1930's and later. Nobody says you have to keep the color!
I am thinking about buying it, and I go to see it next weekend.
Not at all sure, but I think some of those old paints were based on tar. You are correct, it really sticks and does not want to come off. If you really want to get it off, you might try a petroleum based solvent like kerosene. I think I would research it and try to replicate the original finish. She ain't a hot rod, she's an antique classic...BTW, I am not sure what kind of black paint L&S used, but OMG it was like iron on top of iron. Too bad our paints today don't stick like that! I spent over an hour just wire brushing the front of the bed! Paint stripper barely even touched it. What a pita, but she will look good. I have also decided to go with a 2-tone paint job. Lathe bed and headstock: black. Apron, cross slide, tailstock, and any other items: machine grey. I am still debating between gold and red highlighting on the raised letters on the bed. Some may not "like" the 2-tone approach, but it just seems like it will look really nice. Base structure: black Movable parts: grey. Nice contrast in my book.