GLUE on EK2 core

[Steinar]

Hello. I have this nice looking EK2 with glue on parts of the core. The paint on the core seems to be very solid, and the glue is old.

How can i remove some of this glue? Its really not nice ann this nice cross with a shiny frame deserves better than this. It's thin layer around the swastika + some on the 9 + 12 o clock arms.

I really hope not to see "leave it alone / as it is" comments because I wanna try and give this beauty her nice old look back. It's worth a try.
What is worse: glue on the core, or paint loss becasue of the glue removal...Both options are bad, but it might even help, I just want to remove some of it.

Thanks

[Adrian]

Is it 'proper' glue or glue residue from an adhesive label?

[Steinar]

it is proper glue. its actually possible to remove some of it with a nail, just removed some, didnt even make a scratch on the paint... still, its hard to get around the 1939 and the swastika... its only a thin layer. My guess is: thes EK2 used to be in 3 pieces (post war damage?) and some clever person glued it without removing the wet leftover glue parts.

Can i use anything to remove it proper? the cross has no damage. The paint is 100% perfect on both sides. The frame is frosty (98%) its a mm 40 and a lovely cross.

[bobcam1]

I use gaffer's tape, a cloth tape made for Film and TV use. It will pull off glue without pulling off paint, and I've had GREAT success with using it to take adhesive off of medals. You might also want to use a hair dryer on low setting, to soften the glue, first.

Bob.

[Steinar]

Thanks for the tip bob

I first used my nail, the dry old glue came of, however, theres 1 area covering the left part of the entire 6 o c'lock arm, with a much thicker layer of glue. I couldn't remove anything even with great force. The paint on the core is absolute amazing. Not even a scratch. Nothing. I will post a few pix later.

[bobcam1]

Looking forward to seeing them...

[Peter Wiking]

Thanks for the tip bob

I first used my nail, the dry old glue came of, however, theres 1 area covering the left part of the entire 6 o c'lock arm, with a much thicker layer of glue. I couldn't remove anything even with great force. The paint on the core is absolute amazing. Not even a scratch. Nothing. I will post a few pix later.

Use a scalpel with rounded blade. See if you can find a paint edge, and push the blade under the offending paint. I have done this on german equipment, repainted by the Norwegian army. Use your scalpel and lots of time. Do not force it!

Peter

[Steinar]

Thanks for the tip Peter. Thats a really good idea.
I have removed a lot of the glue now. some of this glue cant be removed, its on the "19"39 and around the swastika. Some small paint loss below the swastika, just minor. Still not done with this. Sure looks better now.

[Darrell]

Any chance for a few pics?

[Steinar]

just about to post

[Steinar]

1

[Steinar]

2

[Steinar]

3

[Steinar]

perfect

[Darrell]

Does the core rattle? Maybe someone back when thought this as "not good" and put some glue in the gap to prevent this from happening. You never know what goes through some guys heads.