GBD Virgin Bulldog (Perspex Stem) Restoration.

[ssjones]

This one was a pretty simple restoration, I'd forgotten how easy Perspex stems are to restore. (well, at least ones in good condition.

Full details are on the Reborn Pipes Blog:

GBD 2006 Virgin Bulldog Restoration (Perspex)

By Al Jones The 2006 is the classic straight bulldog shape from the GBD catalog. This one was a Virgin and grade and like many came with a Perspex stem. The sellers photographs were sparse, but t…

rebornpipes.com

Before

 

[ssjones]

Finished

 

[scloyd]

Beautiful!
Are Perspex stems always clear?

 

[python]

Great job on the restore!

 

[mso489]

Handsome job on that notable briar and high quality stem that came totally back to life. On this GDB, does "Virgin" mean that the briar started out unstained? I have an unfinished pipe or two that has reached that depth of finish. It's a great experience, though mine are Savinelli.

 

[ssjones]

In GBD terms "Virgin" is simply a higher grade pipe, with a light finish (but not unstained) and reportedly no fills.
Perspex stems are always clear.

 

[scloyd]

Perspex stems are always clear.

Thanks Al.

 

[SpookedPiper]

Nice job on the clean up...they really come back looking almost perfect!

 

[mikethompson]

The results are incredible. Amazing work as always. I've always wondered about those clear stems and the special steps needed to clean them up.

I have a feeling I will be checking back there again if I ever find a nice clear stemmed pipe.

 

[burleyboy]

Great work, great pipe!

 

[cshubhra]

Fantastic work!

 

[danimalia]

Beautiful work! That seems like a quintessential bulldog. Does it take a lot of effort to get/keep the airway on the clear stems clean? I really like the appearance of them, but have always wondered about the effort required to keep them looking good.

 

[BROBS]

Looks great as usual!

 

[madox07]

Fine job and fine looking pipe !

 

[jpmcwjr]

Yet another home run!

 

[BROBS]

In GBD terms "Virgin" is simply a higher grade pipe, with a light finish (but not unstained) and reportedly no fills.
Perspex stems are always clear.

I didn’t know this! I figured they had no stain. I have an unsmoked post merger billiard I’ve been meaning to fire up. ?

 

[PaulTheScandinavian]

Those GBD are great pipes for sure, splendid work Al, thanks for sharing.

 

[daveinlax]

Looks Great! I've avoided cleaning the brown airway of my EXEXL straight grain pre trans Barling because I heard alcohol and acetone were hard on perpex. might have to try it now. ?

 

[ssjones]

Looks Great! I've avoided cleaning the brown airway of my EXEXL straight grain pre trans Barling because I heard alcohol and acetone were hard on perpex. might have to try it now. ?

I do run a cleaner wet with water thru afterwards, then a dry one.

 

[craig61a]

I use lacquer thinner to clean the airway. Leave a cleaner saturated with thinner in the airway for about 1/2 hour, then run one through with water. Then polish the airway with a cleaner dusted with Rottenstone chucked in a drill.

I’ve tried to polish out drill marks in the airway with different grades of abrasives, so there would be a nice smooth clear airway, but I haven’t had a lot of success. I suppose with more time I could do that, but then I’d rather just be smoking the darn thing...