cleaning question - need help

[JSP]

I am working on (refurbishing) a technics
SL 1650 TT that looks to have been in a household of smokers. The base
is kinda dirty, darkened, discolored, around the edges. My guess is that is is tabacco smole residue.

I've tried simple green, window cleaner and alcohol without really any impact.



The plastic top is spotless - go figure?










What should I use to clean the base with, I don't want to damage it or remove the original finish.

Thanks for your suggestions.

[Daddy Dee]

My post is probably more commiseration than help. Old tobacco residue is among the toughest substances known to man.

I had a vintage Fisher receiver I was refurbishing and nothing I did, could get the film off the face plate and dial glass. Not even alcohol. I sent it off to be recapped and such. I asked the tech about it and he suggested to take off the face of the receiver, which he did, and soaked in some solution. It may not have been more than soapy water, but it worked better than anything I did.

I don't know if you could readily remove the motor and electrical components from the base, but if you could, then soaking it would be an option.

Short of that, I wonder if an electronic cleaner like Deoxit would cut the residue without damaging the finish. Acetone, maybe? Others may have been successful with this. It is one tough cleanup problem.

[Wrench722]

Try *****&Span. I use it when repainting walls of a smoker so the paint would stick.