by JPCass » Thu Apr 23, 2015 10:08 pm
Based in part on other situations where I've had to remove old material or fittings, I would guess that it might also work, to drill holes as large as possible horizontally into the length of the old rubber block, taking out most of its material and leaving it undermined enough that it should be able to be pushed out, or even crumbled back in on itself. It should then be possible to put something like a large screwdriver or a chisel in the space where the cushion was, and maybe with some blocking underneath it, pry and/or twist up to push up the crimping from the inside and behind, leaving it without marks on top. That would allow the process to be done without quite as much setup, and without need for a round punch (which I assume is what was used, through the drilled holes, in conjunction with the hammer).
I'll attempt this approach with the case that I'm just starting to work on, and try to remember to report back about how it goes. I will also see if I can get the rubber material at a good local hardware store or auto store - if nothing else, I think it could be cut out of the rubber used in a plumbing test (drain) plug or the tiedown plugs that go in to the stake pockets of a pickup truck bed.
Restored Mills 5c Extraordinary "barn find", long gone - now restoring 1934 5c Extraordinary Gold Award with original World's Fair reel strips
Restoring early Mills 5c Firebird (large coin view window)
About to take on a Mills 5c Vest Pocket
