Any advice for removing dried rubber band residue from plastic?

dht7788 Wed Feb 24, 2016 9:05 pm

I have a Pt-19 that's in need of repair and restoration, and the first thing I want to do is clean off all the nasty melted, dried up rubber bands its covered with.
Some came off by lightly scraping with my finger nail, but some appears to be fused to the plastic.
I want this only as a flyer, not a hanger queen so I doesn't have to be perfect.
Any suggestions?

bottomgun Wed Feb 24, 2016 9:17 pm

You can try soaking it for about 30 minutes to an hour in warm water and dish soap. If that doesn't get it off then try using some isopropyl alcohol on it. Either way, use an old stiff toothbrush or any plastic or nylon scrubbing brush to help get it off.

dht7788 Wed Feb 24, 2016 10:06 pm

Thanks Bottomgun!
I soaked the residue for about 20 min in alcohol, and it wiped right off.
Great tip!!!!

roddie Wed Feb 24, 2016 10:10 pm

Welcome to the forum DHT! Let us know how the flight goes! If you need anything else to get her in the air; there's endless resources here. Advice, help, parts-support.. you name it!

happydad Wed Feb 24, 2016 10:18 pm

bottomgun wrote:You can try soaking it for about 30 minutes to an hour in warm water and dish soap. If that doesn't get it off then try using some isopropyl alcohol on it. Either way, use an old stiff toothbrush or any plastic or nylon scrubbing brush to help get it off.

I think it is always a great idea to start with soapy water. Start with the least caustic solution and if necessary work your way up to alcohol or old-used fuel. Some solutions cause damage to some plastics and it is always best to be cautious. Once the damage is done it is too late.
+1 to bottomgun.

happydad RC Plane

dht7788 Thu Feb 25, 2016 10:44 pm

Thanks Roddie!
I appreciate all the help from everyone. Shes a real beater but Ive wanted one of these for a while.
Cant wait to fly it!

jsesere Fri Feb 26, 2016 1:10 am

Let me know if you need any parts. I have restored quite a few and have left over parts.

Peter2000 Sat Mar 12, 2016 5:11 am

I bought an old cox PT-19 still intact - no cracks - only flown a couple of times.

It had this rubberish fuel residue all over it. So with hot water I applied soap to a nail brush - that removed every fuel and rubber band marks in 15min.

Though the entire model is clean the engine an ordinary 0.049 I guess needs an intensive cleaning. Pistion goes up and down when propeller is turned - a good sign - however needle screw is stuck and can't be turned.
The engine has only be fired up twice 20 years ago and not been treated with any after run oil.

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Any advice for removing dried rubber band residue from plastic?

Any advice for removing dried rubber band residue from plastic?

Re: Any advice for removing dried rubber band residue from plastic?

Re: Any advice for removing dried rubber band residue from plastic?

Re: Any advice for removing dried rubber band residue from plastic?

Great idea to always start with soapy water

Re: Any advice for removing dried rubber band residue from plastic?

Re: Any advice for removing dried rubber band residue from plastic?

Re: Any advice for removing dried rubber band residue from plastic?

Re: Any advice for removing dried rubber band residue from plastic?