How to remove grease from mine & not damage paint?

[WWIIBuff]

Hello,

I just received a "ground-dug" magnetic mine that I bought from a guy in
Poland. When it arrived I found that he had coated the shape charge portion and the three magnets in grease for preservation. The piece is a bit rusty, but it also still has some original paint on it.

Can anybody suggest the best way or safest product to use to remove the grease completely, without damaging the remaining paint?
I have considered restoring the piece someday, but once the grease is removed and I see how much original paint remains, I may decide to leave it as it is instead.

I don't think the rust will be an issue. Fortunately living in the low desert part of California has the advantage of very little humidity.

Thanks

[Seigfried]

We have something in England called 'Gunk', an engine degreasant. You paint it on with a brush and eventually it turns into a lather - then rinse off with water and it takes the grease with it. I did a lafette tripod with it and it worked well. It is not abrasive so should not remove paint, although I cannot guarantee this! Good luck

[WWIIBuff]

Grease removal

Thanks Seigfried! I'll try to find something like that here in the states.

[gregM]

here in the states, Gunk engine degreeser is available at almost any
auto parts store, Wal Mart, or gas station/convenience store.

[Bob Hritz]

I prefer spray degreasers. it evaporates quickly, and is much faster than Gunk, Any auto parts store should have it. Use a toothbrush immediately after spraying and just keep repeating until the grease is gone.

Bob Hritz

[WWIIBuff]

Degreaser

Thanks Greg and Bob. Actually I went to the auto store today just by chance and read the labels of Gunk and all the other degreasers. They all had warnings about possible damage to paint and other surfaces, so I chickened out. Instead I went to Walmart and got some good ole Simple Green. It seems to have worked pretty good, and definately did not damage the paint.

This is a "ground-dug" piece, so the period paint that remains is minimal, thus my extra caution.

Thanks again

John