Solvents and Bakelite Grips

[ithacaartist]

Yes, brake fluid is death to a painted finish. (Well, it used to be--not sure how the current cyanoacrylates fare)

Another thing to try which would theoretically be gentle on the bakelite is Easy-Off oven cleaner, which is basically lye solution in an aerosol can, give or take some fragrance and perhaps some proprietary buffers. Lye in this concentration is corrosive to "polar" materials like metals (Spray some on a piece of aluminum foil, wad the foil up quickly, and place the wad on a non-combustible surface, then observe!), but is easiy on "non-polar" surfaces like plastic, wood, and rubber--all of which are organic. I've used it back in the day to strip furniture. If used on something porous, like wood, it needs to be neutralized afterward by a quick flush with vinegar, a weak acid.

Dab a test spot on the backside of the grip, and Ill bet it works out fine.

David Parker