[Jdub]

Agree with plating and do talk to ShaunB (Tru6 handle) on this BBS. The gold plating against the rest of the parts is beautiful, and you are dealing with parts that will not need to be filed or opened up by removal of thick coating. Instead, you have pieces essentially electro-plated and tolerances that will work well for rebuilding.

Clean the parts as much as you can using a reasonable chemical and wire brush.