<html> <body> Susan,    One of   the best ways of getting the dirt out is  with  a high pressure air compressor.   If the parts can't take the pressure      they need to replaced.   don't do   a   half of the job.  do it right the first time.   Ron At 10:17 AM 9/25/2012, you wrote: <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite=""> With due respect to Euphonious, I'd be extremely cautious before blowing out such an old action with high pressure compressed air. Things like thread loops could turn to toast in a minute or two. I'd go at it with a vacuum (HEPA filter preferred) and a very soft bristle paintbrush. Hold the vacuum hose near the paintbrush and it will take in the noxious stuff with minimal damage. Of course wearing a good dust mask and maybe goggles would be a good idea. Susan Kline Euphonious Thumpe wrote: <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite="">David! Please get the filth out of future posts! (I was eating.) And a vacuum won't do. (Only a real air compressor, from the photos.) I slide actions into bicycle boxes and then take them to the tyre store (Anglish) when they're this filthy, and blow them out, outside, with about 150 PSI if I don't have my A.C. with me. And please wear a mask and goggles! Breathing this stuff (or having it enter the mucousy membranes around eyeballs) will quickly render you into a subhumanoid life form most unpalatable to your spouse! (If you have one. Plugging your ears with something's a good idea, too, when dealing with such.) And, Dear Sir, I regret to inform you that you have conflated 2 American classic cartoons: the "Tom and Jerry" cartoon (MGM) featuring H.R. #2, and the "Bugs Bunny" cartoon (Warner Brothers) also featuring this great Liszt piece. Please be aware that we take our cartoons very seriously, here!!! Cordially, Thumpe </blockquote></blockquote></body> </html>