Scratchy compass face

chuckg5 · #1 (**permalink**) 09-05-2007

The compass on top of the binnacle is a 5" danforth 'constellation'.
Sitting at the wheel , looking forward, I can see the degree numbers but its a little scratchy an foggy. on the forward part of the 'globe' it is clear.
Can I loose up the philips head screws on the collar of the globe an turn it
180 degrees?? I'm guessing a lot of oil will come out but I can replace that.
the oil I'm guessing might be mineral oil.

Freesail99 · #2 (**permalink**) 09-05-2007

Mineral oil is no longer used, or so I was told. There are 2 different oils currently being used. A compass repair place would also have new "faces" for your compass. I got great service from these people http://www.islandcompass.com/repair_&_adjusting.htm

chuckg5 · #3 (**permalink**) 09-05-2007

thanks, I just went to Vicking Optics on the net and they have all the
replacement parts for Richie an Danforth. I'll check out the other link too!
I'll probably try an rotate the globe anyway, at least now I know where to go for parts!

Freesail99 · #4 (**permalink**) 09-05-2007

There will be a gasket you'll need to replace once you open it.

Rockter · #5 (**permalink**) 09-05-2007

Toothpaste !!!

chuckg5 · #6 (**permalink**) 09-05-2007

I'll break down an get a gasket an a quart of compass oil.
toothpaste, gotta remember that if I ever blow a head gasket in the middle of davy jones's relm

Rockter · #7 (**permalink**) 09-05-2007

NO, use it to polish the surface.

chuckg5 · #8 (**permalink**) 09-05-2007

ohhhhhh, I'll try that first

Lancer28 · #9 (**permalink**) 09-05-2007

I went from this to this on my compass:

My boat sat for FOURTEEN YEARS in the sun, rain and snow before I got my hands on it.

It's quite simple actually. Get a low speed power drill with a cloth buffer pad on it. Then use the Turtle Wax Rubbing Compound on it (and keep it wet with compound) for about 5 minutes. Go over it with a new pad and carnuba wax for about 5 more minutes to finish it. (the photo where it is clean is BEFORE the carnuba wax application)

Wipe dry and you're set. I've used this on everything from motorcycle restorations to car headlights. USE ONLY MICROFIBER CLOTHS, and use LOW LOW LOW SPEED!!!

chuckg5 · #10 (**permalink**) 09-06-2007

Wow, Lancer
nice job
mine's nowhere near that bad, but yours looks good as new
this is the way to go