Step 8-Salvaging the Plated Parts

OPTION #1. The bumper, grille, wheel covers, chains and axles can be more or less easily salvaged if there is only surface oxidation on the finish. This does not include rust. Use a soft cloth such as an old cotton sock or towel, add a generous dab of Blue Magic Metal Polish Creme and elbow grease. Use a clean soft cloth for a final buffing out. Please note that after 40+ years of service, the majority of plated parts you will find will be beyond the results this step can achieve.

OPTION #2. If your plated parts are beyond the above step and include a small amount of rust, try this. Cut about a 3 inch square piece out of the 3M Scotch-Brite Finishing Pad for metal. Use water to wet the pad and add a BIG dab of Turtle Wax Polishing Compound for clear coats. El bow grease is once again required, but the results will be worth it. Keep your pad and part well moistened. After the light oxidation and rust have been removed, wash in warm soapy water to remove any buffing residue and dry. Buff with a soft clean cotton cloth. Your parts will tend to have a soft satin finish.

OPTION #3. If your parts are more rust than light oxidation, you may want to consider reproduction parts. If the axles are to far gone, and generally they are, I bead blast them and paint.

The plating on the parts is not very thick, so don't get carried away with your cleaning efforts.

If you are satisfied with the results of Option #1 and Option #2, as a final step, apply a light coating of your favorite automotive paste wax and buff. The wax will help protect your newly restored finish.

If you want to take the results of Option #1 and #2 to the next level, try this before you paste wax. I USE THIS TIP. I purchased a Rotary Tool Cleaning and Polishing Set from Sears. The set includes polishing compound, also known as jeweler's rouge, and all sorts of buffing wheels. This TIP will put a super shine on your clean plated parts. Keep your rotary tool at a its lowest RPM and use light pressure. I even use this TIP on brand new reproduction grilles and bumpers that are not chrome plated. The results are well worth the extra effort.

It may be me but when I am restoring a truck, there is no room for dents and creases in the grille and bumper. They are a distraction and totally take away from the restoration. Reproduction parts are available.

I wear disposable latex gloves while cleaning the plated parts. If you don't, be prepared to spend a lot of time trying to clean the by products of the cleaning process from your hands and under your nails. It's a smart, time saving investment. Real men (and women) do wear latex gloves when working on their Tonkas!

Step 9-Salvaging the Tires and Whitewalls

There's no magic in this step. If the tires are complete and not cracked, just a good cleaning will suffice. I just use dish washing liquid and a stiff bristle brush. Sometimes an old tooth brush is enough to do the trick. After a through cleaning and time to dry, I'll treat with 2001 Protectant. Cover the tire surfaces and place in a small plastic bag. Don't worry about the excess protectant at this time. You can remove the excess with a clean dry cloth just prior to reassembly on your finished pickup. If your tires are beyond a good spring cleaning, reproduction parts are available.

Now for the whitewalls. I use a product called Soft Scrub. You can find it at the grocery beside other household cleaning supplies. It has a bleaching agent and a light abrasive that will help turn dirty whitewalls white. Use a stiff bristle brush or that old tooth brush again. I've also been known to leave whitewalls in a small dish of diluted bleach for days. I have been successful salvaging whitewalls with both of these methods more times than not. Once you are satisfied with the results, dry and spray with 2001 Protectant, to help moisturize the dry rubber, and store with your tires. If this step is not successful because the whitewalls are discolored from UV exposure or they are cracked and dry rotted, the old whitewalls may be candidates for your old Tonka parts museum. Reproduction parts are available.

Step 10-Salvaging the Windshield

Grab another old cotton sports sock or towel for use in this step. If you are the owner of a 1955-1957 pickup, forget this step. Owners of 1958 to 1967, listen up! Yellowed, cracked or broken windshields, should just be replaced. Reproductions are available for just the windshield or the full "glass" bubble as used on the 1965 through 1967 models. If, however, the windshield has very light scratches and hazing, try this to minimize the damage. Moisten your cloth with water and apply a generous dab of Turtle Wax Polishing Compound for clear coat. Rub and rub some more onto the surface areas of the windshield using light pressure. Don't let your polishing mixture dry out or you will do more harm than good. This is not a five minute job. Rinse the windshield with water from time to time to check the progress. Continue to work the polishing compound until you can see no further changes in the appearance of the windshield. Remember, this step will not remove all of the scratches, but overall, the windshield will tend to clear. Store in a clean plastic bag.

Step 11-Time to Order Replacement Parts

By this step, I'm far enough along in the restoration to be able to identify the parts that are going to be replaced. I do my shopping at a number of places. Those I would recommend are Sandbox Toys, Thomas Toys, Toy Parts Peddler and for decals, Rick's Toy Box. Contact information can be found on the LINKS page. Reproduction parts can be a little pricey and since this article was initially written, prices have increased from time to time. Order your parts now so they will be on hand for reassembly.