Restoration of the Gun Cradle:
After abrasive blast cleaning of the corroded metal gun cradle, all areas of metal lost through corrosion were filled with polyester body putty to prevent future entry of rain water.
The traverse drive gear is seen with restored teeth.
The double shields were separated. There was no evidence of the inner surface
ever having been coated. The corrosion here was slight and tight due to rapid
shedding of water. In order to present an authentic looking restoration, these
inner surfaces were left with their corrosion and left unpainted.
However, to protect the metal from further corrosion, a corrosion inhibiting clear coating was applied. The product used was Ship-2-Shore Industrial, a very effective and long lasting gel that dries to waxy clear film. A Canadian product, it has has an extensive and very successful perfromance history in the maritime industry protecting ship steel from salt water.
Ship-2-Shore products
L.C.C, Box 48205, Victoria, BC, Canada
V8Z 7H6. 800-455-0680. www.lccs.ca.
Ship-2-Shore Industrial and the lower viscosity Ship-2-Shore PLID were used extensively in this restoration. The PLID product was used to penetrate all openings at moving parts and all points of wear to prevent corrosion from water entry when the gun is exhibited outdoors.
