My first Graflex, do you guys think it's real?

[fossil]

Hi everyone. I'm just getting into lightsabers, so I got my first Graflex. I feel like I have an ok grasp of what a real vintage Graflex Inc. ver looks like, But I wanted to get some second opinions. Hopefully this thing is real and not a weathered replica =O

 

[3251bimmer]

yes, looks like a true vintage inc

 

[The 48th Ronin]

Yep, looks the part - accumulated dust/dirt, oxidized pins/bulb contact, and the rust inside the clamp.

Another good tell is the rivet through the bunny ears - check that it's not actually a screw with a shroud to make it look like a rivet.

 

[fossil]

Nice ! thank you guys !


Any recommendations on how to clean this bad boy without damaging it ?

 

[Halliwax]

Looks great! Good find!

 

[The 48th Ronin]

Any recommendations on how to clean this bad boy without damaging it ?

What exactly are you wanting to clean?

 

[fossil]

What exactly are you wanting to clean?

The grime and maybe the rust. I'm super new to this, is this something folks really dont do, like folks keep them as is because it's part of the piece's history/personality?

 

[The 48th Ronin]

I don't think it's a good idea to go nuts, trying to make it look factory fresh - it's been around for a while (and has probably seen some things )

The grime on the upper and lower tubes? Try wiping them down with a rag saturated with isopropyl alcohol. Grime in the bulb socket? Try a small paintbrush and/or Q-tips (dry). If that doesn't do much, you can try dampening them with a bit of water.

As for the rust inside the clamp... it doesn't appear to be too bad - you can try wiping it down with a dry rag and then maybe apply some WD-40 or other similar type oil. If you're really worried about it, you can pull the clamp apart (again) and soak just the main ring in Evapo-Rust (if you can get a hold of some).

Whatever you do, DO NOT use anything abrasive on the flash.

 

[fossil]

I don't think it's a good idea to go nuts, trying to make it look factory fresh - it's been around for a while (and has probably seen some things )

The grime on the upper and lower tubes? Try wiping them down with a rag saturated with isopropyl alcohol. Grime in the bulb socket? Try a small paintbrush and/or Q-tips (dry). If that doesn't do much, you can try dampening them with a bit of water.

As for the rust inside the clamp... it doesn't appear to be too bad - you can try wiping it down with a dry rag and then maybe apply some WD-40 or other similar type oil. If you're really worried about it, you can pull the clamp apart (again) and soak just the main ring in Evapo-Rust (if you can get a hold of some).

Whatever you do, DO NOT use anything abrasive on the flash.

What would you recommend for cleaning the plastic parts?

 

[Halliwax]

I personally wouldn’t clean anything, it helps sell the prop as the real deal

 

[Benjo]

As said above, I wouldn't clean anything on it. Yours is in a very good condition by the way.

First because that's what gives it all its personnality. Grimes/scratches/dents are what will make your graflex/prop unique and what will make it look real.
Secondly because SW prop parts are cobbled together the way they are and that's what make them look so cool and authentic.

Just my opinion, not to offend anyone here but pristine Graflex lightsabers are a bit boring nowadays (unless you're looking for something like the sequels Graflex lightsaber)

 

[SethS]

Question is... which version are you going to mod it to be?

 

[fossil]

Question is... which version are you going to mod it to be?

I'm going to do the ANH ver, I know it's not super accurate because I don't have the Folmer ver or the RAF ver as my base, but I figured it was as close as I could within reason.

 

[PoopaPapaPalps]

Personally, I wouldn't clean a thing. Your Graflex is extremely clean as is! If there's excess grime build up, you can just wipe that away with a soft rag and some iso alcohol. Rust doesn't look too bad but a little WD-40 should clear it up, just be sure to oil or seal where it's rusted afterwards to keep it from rusting further.

SethS Clearly, it should be an ANH with how good of a condition it's in. It's also the easier, least intrusive to convert into for someone starting out. It's also the best iteration of all the Graflex hilts #bubblestrips4life #ESBGraflexhasuglyscrews #itwasneverrecoveredafterBespin

 

[THX1138]

Yep, alcohol and WD-40 with a soft rag, cotton face pads and q-tips is all you need to use!!

DO NOT try to polish the plating!!! The Nickel plating is not very thick and if you try anything abrasive you will gradually remove it down to the brass base!!

Any scratches on it are just going to be there.

- Jim