Removing Cosmo

Striker33

Striker33

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Hey folks,

I just had a new Norc 1911 arrive in the mail today... For the most part it seems pretty good, except for the dummy scratch on the frame (I didn't even get a chance to do it myself. :( ) As you guys know the thing is packed in enough cosmo to preserve every gun from the cold war. I have done a feild stripping, and want to know what the best way to ceaning it is? Do I need to break it down any further, or is the feild stripe enough? should I use crud buster? Or just remoil?

Thanks guys
 
I just used G96 Gun Treatment (CLP) and sprayed it all over the pistol and the mags once everything was fully disassembled. Let the CLP do its work for a few moments then get to work with a cotton towel or rags/cloths and start wiping everything down to a slight shine/sheen. The parts should feel clean to the touch and not greasy any longer. If they still feel greasy, spray on some more of the CLP and rub the grease off. The G96 just cuts through the grease on that particular 1911 with ease. Finally, oil the various parts that require it (ie: not the mags) and reassemble the pistol and go enjoy it at the range a few times before having to clean it again (that Norinco ammo is DIRRRRTY!).

Other methods, disassemble and place all parts into a ice cream bucket or similar container and pour boiling water over everything. Pull from the water after a few minutes and allow to dry on a towel. The water being hot will simply evaporate and leave the parts dry. Now go ahead and use your cleaner and oil of choice and start reassembly. There are some other methods listed in the big Norinco 1911 Combo deal thread thats in the canadaammo section of this forum.
 
I used dish soap in a bucket with boiling water. I dropped the part in there as I disassembled the pistol and used a toothbrush.

There was caked grease everywhere; I recommend a full detail strip. It'll be a nice learning experience...

Please note some parts like the barrel bushing and mainspring housing were a ##### to remove on mine (and still are) due to poor machining.

I used this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIETNijG-DM
 
"...done a field stripping..." Should do. Drop the whole thing sans grips into a tub of varsol or any other degreaser and leave it there for a few hours. Then wipe off the cosmoline. Repeat as required.
 
I have used oil paint thinner to remove cosmoline - just submerse your parts in it. Cosmoline melts off. Also works on stocks. Been using this method for over 30 years with success.
 
Non-chlorinated brake clean and a nylon brush will work the best, just make sure you have good air flow the room where your spraying it or you'll be higher than a kite. I personally would completely disassemble it, you are never going to get all the cosmo out if you don't.

Andrew.
 
Basic field strip,remove grips and spray with brake cleaner. Canadian Tire has different kinds and often on sale. The small tube that comes with it gets into most every place. Wipe down,spray again. Coat with favorite CLP ( gunzilla) and put back together. This has worked on my SKS, Norinco .45 and a SVT-40.
 
Klebelenator said:
I have used oil paint thinner to remove cosmoline - just submerse your parts in it. Cosmoline melts off. Also works on stocks. Been using this method for over 30 years with success.
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^^ this. Then spray it down with brake cleaner. Completely removes all the Cosmo and the spray blows it out of even the smallest nooks & crannies. Then relube with a good gun oil.
 
der_martin said:
I've used brake clean too. Works great.
Gasoline though? Really?
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Yup...good ol' gasoline works like a charm as well. It is an excellent degreaser (and cheaper - if you do the math) than commercial brake cleaner. When I unwrapped my Enfield, I found that it got the really dried out/caked on stuff the best. A good grade of varsol also works great.
 
Simple green and a toothbrush. I like simple green because it's a non-toxic solvent with a mild odor. Using it in the house is no problem and I also use it to clean my kitchen and bathrooms. I use the purple extra strength stuff.
 
I used G96 as it was what I had handy.

Detail stripped, cleaned off all the gunk [make sure you have 2 or 3 good shop rags on hand]. On reassembly put a light oil on all parts that move or rub together.

DSCN5063-1.jpg


DSCN5064-1.jpg


Stock factory grips are very brittle on these. My right grip broke into 3 when I removed the top grip screw. No worries as I intended to junk the grips anyway.

Reassembled with a set of new USGI replacement 1911A1 grips [for the old school] look:

DSCN5069-1.jpg


:canadaFlag:
-----------
NAA.
 
Maximum said:
Simple green and a toothbrush. I like simple green because it's a non-toxic solvent with a mild odor. Using it in the house is no problem and I also use it to clean my kitchen and bathrooms. I use the purple extra strength stuff.
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I've used Simple Green and it does work well. My concern is that It has to removed with water and of course steel & water aren't a good combo, necessitating thorough oiling to avoid rust on blued guns. If I had a compressor to blow out the moisture from all the nooks & crannies it wouldn't be such a concern but I don't so I would worry about missing some & ending up with rust. Aside from that it is a good degreaser.
 
Wow, lots of different suggestions, never even thought of boiling water or Simple Green, I'll try one of those on my next 1911. I used WD-40 to clean mine, then gave everything a light coat of G96 because I like the smell.
 
Ive used two methods that work really well for cosmo.

Boiling water /then/ simple green + toothbrush. Then rinse with water and apply remoil everywhere.. Great for small parts, etc. But my favorite lately is just let it sit in a small tub of Mineral Spirits (less smelly version of Varsol / Turpentine) then just wipe off with a shop towel. Then remoil.

Both methods work great, depends on which you want to do really.
 
enefgee said:
Spray with Simple Green and pour boiling water over it, repeat as necessary with all arts stripped. You won't get high either.
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This technique worked perfectly. Quick and easy and no solvents required. Honestly not sure if the Simple Green is even required since the boiling water just melts the gunk off.
 
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