I have come across some older remedies for problems/maintenance tasks which we still perform. According to a maintenance book from the 1930s-40s:

- Scale and dirt accumulated from use of river water in automotive radiators and engines may be cleaned by using at least a 50% mix of water and white/apple cider vinegar, run for at least an hour at 150 degrees or better, then drained, followed by a vigourous clean water flush (preferably city water).

- leather and cowhide seats may be preserved by cleaning with saddle soap, followed by an application of neat's foot oil, then rubbing to prevent stains. This should be followed by sealing with wax paste, to keep the oil inside the skin

- rubber parts may be made smoother and prevented from cracking by rubbing a mixture of clean clock oil and white grease on the affected areas (wow, I almost used dirty clock oil).

- Tire valves should not be filled with clay to prevent them from being damaged, instead, old chewing gum may be used if metal caps are not available.

anyone got any others?

__________________
Strelnik
Invest in America: Buy a Congressman!

1950 170SD
1951 Citroen 11BN
1953 Citroen 11BNF limo
1953 220a project
1959 180D
1960 190D
1960 Borgward Isabella TS 2dr
1983 240D daily driver
1983 380SL
1990 350SDL daily driver alt
3 x Citroen DS21M, down from 5
3 x Citroen 2CV, down from 6