Cleaning and re-rodding a Zum

Chuck McGill · Post by **Chuck McGill** » 25 Jan 2004 9:31 am

I am in process of putting a new set-up on a
12 Zum. I would like to clean the changer but
I don't think I want to take it out to do so.
Any suggestions as to what to use to clean and how to. What also to use to lube. Any web sites with help on setting up a 12 would be helpful or any tips. Wish me luck.
Thanks for any help.<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Chuck McGill on 25 January 2004 at 09:41 AM.]</p></FONT>

Doug Earnest · Post by **Doug Earnest** » 25 Jan 2004 10:46 am

Chuck,
If it doesn't seem to be really cruddy, mineral spirits or paint thinner applied liberally will do a good job of cleaning the changer. Set the guitar where the solvent can drip down through and catch it in a pan of some sort. If you can do this with the rods out it is even better. Work the fingers back and forth several times and if you have access to an air hose, use it to blow the crud out. A cheap 1" paint brush works well to clean between the changer fingers. Dry well and lubricate the bridge fingers with automatic transmission fluid (I'm not kidding). I think the Carter site has good information on the re-rodding process. If you haven't already, take note of what changer and bellcrank holes are used on the current setup before you start. Good luck.

------------------

Doug Earnest
The only Zum Keyless U12, Fender Cyber Twin

Chuck McGill · Post by **Chuck McGill** » 25 Jan 2004 10:53 am

Thanks Doug. Sounds like good advise. Transmission fluid? OK. There are so many
copedants for U12 I've been watching the post
on this page about all the different approaches to this. I have lately been doing more Rock and Roll on my steel so all these
changes are really cool.

Dennis Detweiler · Post by **Dennis Detweiler** » 25 Jan 2004 1:32 pm

Hi Chuck,
I recently dismantled my 1983 U-12 Zum. I made a blueprint of the rod placement and removed all the rods. From that point, the changer is easy to remove. I unhooked the return springs from the changer. If you have an early 80's model guitar, it may have tone fingers with tension springs between the string fingers that will need to be unhooked. You'll also need to blueprint the raise helper springs. Previously, I flushed the changer without removing it. This time I pulled the changer and took it apart. Then blueprinted the changer as I dismantled it. I threw the changer parts (not the nylon washers) into lacquer thinner and cleaned all the parts. Then shined all topside parts with Flitz metal cleaner. Then washed them again. Then reassembled the changer and oiled it. I used fishing reel oil.
Installed a new TT pickup.
Reassembly is quick if you blueprint the parts and mark the rods.
Dennis

Chuck McGill · Post by **Chuck McGill** » 25 Jan 2004 5:24 pm

Dennis
Exactly what I need to do. I am also going
with a TT as soon as Jerry gets it to me. Now I will be adding a pedal. What's involved
in the cross shaft install?
Thanks for the help.