New life for old Imperial

[sh00ter01]

I had posted this over in the traditional folders section and a couple guys suggested i try here too

So I have had this old Imperial Barlow sitting around for a few years now. It had been drop by the previous owner in his yard and then found about a year later and given to me. Slip joints aren't usually my thing but, I decided to give this rusted old thing new life. Started by fully disassembling it and cleaning off the rust.*

I think it looks pretty good so far (sorry for the crappy pic). Still got some more work before it starts to go back together.

Couple question for some of you guys that have done this before:*
What the best pin material? The ones I drilled out seem pretty soft, what should I put back in?
And as far as the handles are concern, should I just clean up what's there, or make some custom scales? And if I make custom scales, what's the best way to attach said scales?

I've also thought about removing the second small blade when putting her back together, as I usually never us it, what do ya thing?

-sh00ter

Edit: This entire image upload and post was done on an Ipod, so hopefully this works

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Brass rod or even nails work well for pin stock.
I would just reinstall the original scales.

 

[sh00ter01]

Brass rod or even nails work well for pin stock.
I would just reinstall the original scales.

The pivot hole on the blade seem to be slightly larger then on the liners, is this normal?
Should I just find a nail that’s tight in the liners, or open them up slightly to match the blade pivot?

Also whats the best way to clean up the scales? Can I just buff the "plastic"?

-sh00ter

 

[fast14riot]

Also whats the best way to clean up the scales? Can I just buff the "plastic"?

-sh00ter

I always start with the least caustic cleaners and work my way up.
Warm water, dish soap (dawn brand), windex, isopropanol, and anything after that is up to you to do your homework about reactivity.

To go along with that list is applicators.
Clean bare finger, toothbrush, soft cotton cloth (tee shirt), paper towel, and rarely scotch brite pads (white). Again anything after that is up to you.

Sometimes I will run through every step in the second list with each step in the first.
It also depends on the detritus as well as the scale material.


-Xander

 

[Bill DeShivs]

The pivot pin should fit the liners, not the blade.
The handles are a thin plastic overlay. Sand and buff at your own risk.