I'm currently restoring a German Lafette 42 machine gun tripod (not strictly vehicle related), however, I need some additional advice on paint and rust stripping.
Obviously I want keep costs down and I need to consider alternatives to blasting since there are parts which are a bit sensitive such as the ele/trav block, leather wipers within the cradle etc.
In regards to the paint removal I have read that vehicle and furniture restorers use Caustic Soda with great success. However, will this be effective on the remains of the German primer and paint (or what remains) and then the liberal top coat of post-war Austrian green?
When it comes to rust and stain removal my initial thoughts were to use Jenolite liquid but it is a bit pricey when I may want to soak large components. I then came across the use of Molasses and water which, according to Youtube, seems to be very effective.
Have any of you had experience of these alternate cleaning agents and how effective they are on 60/70 year old paint and rust?
Cheers,
Tom.