Cary safe parts and general info

[Yazoo]

I have my Grandfathers Cary safe from late 1800 - early 1900. It works great but is in rough shape cosmetically. I'd like to clean it but I don't want to remove what little detail is still there ie my grandfather's name, Cary Safe Co, gold edging etc. Also, the fenials that cover the door bolts are scratched and dented up.
The handle is stamped with
My questions are:
Is the safe worth enough as an antique to worry about that or just scrub, sand it and repaint the safe black? Aside from the sentimental value of having my grandfather's last name barely readable on the safe frame.
Is there anyplace to buy replacement fenials?
Last question...
There was a thread from 2014 about how to change the combinations. The moderator posted images, and instructions but they are not in the thread. If I do get the nerve to try and change the combination can someone tell me how?
https://imgur.com/IiDZTj3
https://i.imgur.com/IiDZTj3.jpg [ADMIN EDIT: This is what the [image] tags expect, the one above this line is just a link to the Imgur page that has the pic embedded in it, I fixed the other URLs for ya]

[Squelchtone]

if you remove the 2 screws you can take out the wheel pack, then if you take out the circlip holding it together, take the wheels out one by one and lay things in a row on a table and you can pop the outer wheels off the central hubs in order to set them to new combination numbers, then pop the outer rims back onto the central hubs, then reassmeble it back onto the cover that will have the central post welded ot it that everything spins around on. The wheels will be numbered 1 2 3 or 1 2 3 4 so keep track of thich combo number is on which wheel, and then practice dialing it a dozen times with the door wide open and once you are confident that you can dial the combo and unlock the door, then you can shut the door, lock it, and dial it open. *while you have everything apart, remove any old grease and grime, no need to polish the brass, and dont reoil the wheels, but the central post they rotate on, I'd put some light grease on that.

I made a video once of how I pop the combination wheels apart, here it is:

[billdeserthills]

Many folks don't realize this, but your safe is worth more money in it's current, unrestored condition

[00247]

Usually those inner hubs will come out with your fingers but after being in one spot for around a century they can be stubborn to pop out. They have an inner brass snap ring that can become resistant to moving from dirt, dried lubricant, or even corrosion. I'll add my experience.



I had a lock on a Mosler screw door that the inner hubs did not want to budge. I found that spraying the joint between the two pieces with a light lube goes a long way to freeing them up. I like to use Rem-oil gun spray as it has Teflon in it and really penetrates. I take the round back side of a screwdriver handle and tap the inner hub while holding the assembly in my hand. A few gentle taps will usually get it to start moving. Work it back and forth a bit to help the lube get around and it should then pop out. I had one that had a some green corrosion in the groove of the snap ring. That one I had to set on a spacer and tap firmly to get it to move. Do not attempt to remove the snap ring as it is a tight fit. Be sure that it can move around in its groove. Use spray brake cleaner if it is gummed up. For the one with corrosion I used an acid based product to clean, then flushed water into the snap ring groove, blew it out with air, flushed with alcohol, blew it out again, and it was good to go. I assemble them clean and dry.

Personally, I like to clean the inside surface of the wheels with a metal polish (I use Wenol) and clean up the shaft they ride on also. Brass is self lubricating so I usually leave the wheels dry. Lubes can dry out or creep to other areas. If I do lube I use just a touch of Superlube synthetic grease.

[Yazoo]

Thanks to Squelchtone, Billderserthills, and 00247 for the quick responses. I guess I'll leave the safe in its current condition and instead put my efforts in making sure the workings are clean. I actually want to keep the current combination. The numbers match part of my phone number. What are the odds that my Grandfather would pick those numbers over a century ago. My wife is the one who hates the looks in the current condition. She'll just have to stay out of my "Man Cave" or get used to it.
Thanks again. Now that I've found this forum, I'll pull out my lock picks and play with those more. as well.

[Squelchtone]

some finials on ebay that may fit your safe
http://www.ebay.com/itm/302481342014