greedyshark
member
Reged: 10/31/05
Posts: 56
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I recently took possession of a beautiful '64 Q along with it's original saddle leather case. Both the Q and the case and case are superb. To keep them in their current condition, I'm looking for guidance on a couple of maintenance points...
1. The leather case is mint. With that said, I want to keep the leather from cracking, especially at the hinge point. I've owned a horse in the past and am familiar with a variety of leather treatment products, but they all result in discoloration in varying degrees and I'm hesitant to use them. Can anyone recommend a product that they've had good results with for treating these old leather cases.
2. What does everyone use to polish the chrome on your Q's. Again, there are a lot of products out there, especially in the automotive arena. Any suggestions?
Charles
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GR1973
member
Reged: 09/29/07
Posts: 36
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Congratulation
The answer on your first Question:
I use shoe soft cream (natural-no color) for my vinyl case...the color has not changed 
The second: (Turtle wax )is excellent for the base polishing and waxing 
Best wishes
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EddWen
super member
Reged: 04/26/08
Posts: 137
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I use Simichrome as a polish for the aluminum base followed by a coat of carnuba wax. A little Simichrome goes a long way and produces a good polish. Wax alone won't do it unless it has an abrasive cleaner in it. I'd rather choose my own abrasive (Simichrome) and then use a wax without any abrasive to protect the shine.
Have fun with the new toy.
-------------------- Edd Weninger
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**** Lightshield Observatory SoCal ****
Nexstar 11 GPS Questar 3.5
A-P 900 Orion ED80
**** Blackdog Observatory Arizona ****
A-P 155EDF A-P 1200GTO Coronado SolarMax 90
A-P Traveler Baader Mk V bino-viewer
CGE STV Canon 18x50IS
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Fred Boreale
sage
Reged: 04/23/07
Posts: 213
Loc: Butler,New Jersey USA
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I second the motion on Simichrome.I have been using it for years.Used it on my Q 3.5 and the chrome looks like new.Great product.And a little does go along way.
Fred
-------------------- CPC 1100 XLT GPS On the way back from Celestron.
Starizona 2" Feathertouch
Astro Tech 2" Dialectic Diagonal
Stellervue 9x50 illuminated finder
Kendrick Flex.Dew Shield
Dew Not Strips
Thousand Oaks Controller
Pentax XW 7mm
TMB Supermonocentric 6-7-8mm
BO/TMB Planetary 6-7-8-9mm
Brandons 32-24-16-12-8mm
Brandon 12mm in Brass
1974 3.5 Questar W/BB Coatings
Sears 1150 22AH Power Suppy
StarDust Observing Chair
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Fred Boreale
sage
Reged: 04/23/07
Posts: 213
Loc: Butler,New Jersey USA
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On the care of the leather case.I used saddle soap on my case.No darking to the leather and a nice shine.
Fred
-------------------- CPC 1100 XLT GPS On the way back from Celestron.
Starizona 2" Feathertouch
Astro Tech 2" Dialectic Diagonal
Stellervue 9x50 illuminated finder
Kendrick Flex.Dew Shield
Dew Not Strips
Thousand Oaks Controller
Pentax XW 7mm
TMB Supermonocentric 6-7-8mm
BO/TMB Planetary 6-7-8-9mm
Brandons 32-24-16-12-8mm
Brandon 12mm in Brass
1974 3.5 Questar W/BB Coatings
Sears 1150 22AH Power Suppy
StarDust Observing Chair
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Mapman
member
Reged: 09/08/06
Posts: 45
Loc: Kansas
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I third the motion on a little Simichrome for the metal parts of the scope. A little goes a long way.
An occasional dusting of corn starch on the legs keeps them sliding easily into the base (if I remember, this is in the owner's manual).
I send my Questar in to the factory every 10 years or so for a clean, lube, and adjust. This is also a good time to get any updated accessories installed - last time I had them retrofit a Powerglide II into my 1974 model.
The price for a CLA is reasonable and they were prompt with my scope.
As for my leather case, I have never done anything for/to it and it still looks good. I guess I better get the saddle soap and leatherizer out! LOL
(BTW: My case has metal hinges.)
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greedyshark
member
Reged: 10/31/05
Posts: 56
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Thanks to all...greatly appreciated. 
Charles
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Boongie
member
Reged: 02/10/07
Posts: 27
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I have some old leather items (more than 60 years old) and I use a product called Pecards. You can find them at www.pecard.com. You may want to call them to discuss your needs.
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pdlpsher
member
Reged: 04/30/08
Posts: 38
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I don't own a Q but I use mink oil as a shoe polish. It makes small scratches disappear. Mink oil is also relatively inexpensive.
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