Woodsc Posted 21 April , 2015 Share Posted 21 April , 2015 Hi I have just purchased a M16 German Helmet in it's original field grey paint which has aged and has some surface rust. Could anyone offer any advice in relation to renovation or point me to a source of information. I don't want to do anything drastic like stripping etc just a little restoration to enhance as I believe in keeping the original patina. Please see image Hope someone can give some guidance Thank You Colin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lancashire Fusilier Posted 21 April , 2015 Share Posted 21 April , 2015 Colin, I have found that the very fine wire wool with a little light gun oil, gently rubbed over the surface of the metal will remove surface rust, also WD40 should not damage the original paint, again used with very fine wire wool. Regards, LF Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trenchtrotter Posted 21 April , 2015 Share Posted 21 April , 2015 Do nothing. Wipe with a cloth. A little WD 40 won't harm but no wire however fine. It will be stable if stored well. What is the interior like? TT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lancashire Fusilier Posted 21 April , 2015 Share Posted 21 April , 2015 Colin, The rust on the surface of your helmet is damaging your helmet, and if left untreated will only get worse. Light gun oil or WD40 will assist in removing the surface rust, and the very fine grade wire wool when rubbed gently over the surface of your helmet will cause no damage whatsoever to the surface of your helmet it will only remove the surface rust. I have used very fine wire wool many times and when used in conjunction with the gun oil or the WD40 it will greatly assist in removing that surface rust which is doing the damage, and it will not harm your helmet's surface. To do nothing, is not the answer, unless you just want a rusty helmet shell. If you are uncertain about using the very fine grade wire wool, use a good strong rag, something that will help the oil or the WD40 remove the surface rust. Regards, LF Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trenchtrotter Posted 22 April , 2015 Share Posted 22 April , 2015 I agree with light oil and rag. I have over 40 Great War helmets and a gentle rub down with a duster is all I have done and no further deterioration. I personally would not use the wire. By doing nothing I did state rub down gently. Has worked for me. TT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trajan Posted 22 April , 2015 Share Posted 22 April , 2015 I have used this very fine steel wool and gun oil method on Ersatz scabbards with rust spots and surviving paint and it works with those. Haven't tried the WD40 approach - might do that with a Gras scabbard that needs a bit of TLC! Thanks for that tip LF and TT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodsc Posted 30 April , 2015 Author Share Posted 30 April , 2015 Colin, The rust on the surface of your helmet is damaging your helmet, and if left untreated will only get worse. Light gun oil or WD40 will assist in removing the surface rust, and the very fine grade wire wool when rubbed gently over the surface of your helmet will cause no damage whatsoever to the surface of your helmet it will only remove the surface rust. I have used very fine wire wool many times and when used in conjunction with the gun oil or the WD40 it will greatly assist in removing that surface rust which is doing the damage, and it will not harm your helmet's surface. To do nothing, is not the answer, unless you just want a rusty helmet shell. If you are uncertain about using the very fine grade wire wool, use a good strong rag, something that will help the oil or the WD40 remove the surface rust. Regards, LF Hi LF As you suggested I've cleaned up my helmet using ~ 0000 wire wool and WD 40 it works very well. The surface rust has been removed and the original paintwork has not been effected in any way ~ well pleased with the final result. Just need to try and find an original chin strap now. Many Thanks for the renovation advice ~ much appreciated Thank You to all who contributed with helpful comments Colin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lancashire Fusilier Posted 30 April , 2015 Share Posted 30 April , 2015 Hi LF As you suggested I've cleaned up my helmet using ~ 0000 wire wool and WD 40 it works very well. The surface rust has been removed and the original paintwork has not been effected in any way ~ well pleased with the final result. Just need to try and find an original chin strap now. Many Thanks for the renovation advice ~ much appreciated Thank You to all who contributed with helpful comments Colin Colin, I am pleased to hear that the helmet restoration went well, I have had a lot of success with the 0000 very fine wire wool and Gun Oil/WD 40 so I know it works. Check on-line, and you should be able to find an original chin strap to finish off your project. Regards, LF Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lancashire Fusilier Posted 30 April , 2015 Share Posted 30 April , 2015 Just need to try and find an original chin strap now. Colin, I have just sent you a Forum PM, with info on some available original chin straps for your helmet. Regards, LF Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trenchtrotter Posted 1 May , 2015 Share Posted 1 May , 2015 Do you have a photo of the restored helmet? A before and after comparison would be nice to see. TT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Filsell Posted 2 May , 2015 Share Posted 2 May , 2015 The magic of WD40 is not limited to treating helmets. (Apparently) it has been used my some people as an anti arthritic spray with (reported) helpful effect. No mention was made for the need to abrade the skin slightly with 000 wire wool before WD application which is nice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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