Removing ancient rubber bands?

Illustration for article titled Removing ancient rubber bands?

I bought a set of 4 Matchbox from 1999 at the flea market this weekend. Honestly all but the gasser (last pic) are going to be parts donors, However three of them have ancient rubber bands fossilized onto them.

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Illustration for article titled Removing ancient rubber bands?

They are both crumbly and sticky, and seem to have ruined any tampos they go over. But I’m trying to figure out how to get them off the gasser without further damaging the car (the others don’t matter as much, but will make good test cases.) If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know.

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Illustration for article titled Removing ancient rubber bands?

This is the gasser. Ain’t she pretty?

Illustration for article titled Removing ancient rubber bands?