I cleaned up the grease off the stainless conduit today. Left it soaking overnight in a old 2ltr milk container full of turps, then soaked and washed in dishwashing liquid. It came out as clean as a whistle and minus the slime... I also bought some micro-surgery style paint brushes, and a pot of matt black enamel model paint from the hobby shop. Then I put the first coat on the pointer needle. It dries fast, and one more coat tomorrow should just about do it; then I just need to get it reset so it points to zero again. Also paid a visit to the machine shop. The rod from inside the 3 way valve has finally been completed, but the square section on the end where the handle screws on, was out by about 45 degrees..... Normally it wouldn't have mattered for a rounded knob, but in this case it's a mini handle that is supposed to sit vertically when in the neutral position. It will be fixed next week. The stripped thread on the valve body has been cut out, a new one made and silver soldered in place. The silver solder now needs to be cleaned up and a new flat surface turned, so the fibre washer will sit nice and flat in the recess and seal nicely. That should be finished next week too, then both items in for chrome plating. Wouldn't you know it, after a couple of months of free time, my work commitments ramp up again just as all the bits and pieces are due back from the platers. Hopefully that stuff is finished early next week so I can get at least a day or two of reassembling things before having to head off interstate for a week or two.
