If the rust on the nickel (Its not chrome Ithink), you can use tinfoil to sand off the rust. It does a pretty good job with me.

I would try and not dismantle anything, and just use a good cleaner (PB blaster, degreasers, etc) and try and get them INTO the machine, not the paint!

You scored for $5!

Thanks for the quick and helpful replies!

You're right, TypewriterGuy, I think it's nickel - I'm only referring to them as chrome parts because of the colour. Whoops! I'll definitely try tinfoil, and I'm glad you said it's best not to take it apart. That would be daunting and potentially irreparable.

Photos are a good idea, beak. I'll post some in its current condition soon. In the meantime, here's the one I posted in Recent Acquisitions before I did a preliminary clean. I've done searches on Typewriter Talk for repair articles in the relevant areas. I'll get reading before progressing any further.


 

In that condition, as I said, I would repaint it. Its not rare or anything (Sorry!). You can see the flaking paint everywhere.

For anyone wondering if you have a machine with smooth paint, and it looks dull and cloudy, use Meguires color restorer (For RV use) and it cuts through the grease and dirt buildup like butter through a hot knife! Or was it a hot knife through butter... (Just kidding! haha...)

Anyways, thats what I use along with turtle wax on a microfiber cloth.

Ive never actually repainted a machine... Yet. I think you should use black spray paint, or you can use what you were talking about, and you do a few coats. then I think you put a gloss or lacquer on, but Im not sure. Someone else should be able to help.

Okay, one more thing. I would recommend reading around, like this http://oztypewriter.blogspot.com/2013/08/one-day-typewriter-transformation.html