[Uncle Bulgaria]

Thank you, Bill.

Did you polish rusty screws? I will try with one, but fear if you've confirmed they're BA then it may be easier to get some stainless new ones. If it's the bit one sees it's harder to excuse pitted parts than when it's inside the bowels!

As can be seen from the pictures, the paint itself looks good (apart from the rather of-its-time, mould-like greyish green colour) so will wash off quite nicely I think. Without removing the components it will be a little more tricky as I can't just sluice it off.

Thank you for the tips on the bearings. What's your opinion of the tape-head assembly? Does that come under the heading of 'stripping and polishing', or does it need to be treated with care separately?

Edit: I didn't see the pictures before - that felt is a good shout! I have already bought the previous eBay object though, so I'll compare when they arrive. It can always go in the 'spares' box...