Matt cleaning-up your JD isnt that hard really. Do a basic pull off the plastics, clean them and then do the PF. Thats only a days work really, and you maybe really happy with just that done.
:)
Honestly, I am that nervous about screwing something up that I am almost content to leave the machine as it is i.e. dirty but everything working. Doubts about removing plastics, what cleaning product to use on what areas, how much is too much etc have prevented me from starting and continue to do so, and given that JD parts are difficult to source locally, the fear of breaking or screwing something up is even greater.
Matthew
Matt - You need to buy another machine - cheaper of course ! and practice on that first.
Either that or wait a while and someone might start a DMD resto and you can follow that. They are a little harder than the classic machines that are subject to the restore threads documented at the moment. I'm doing my CV - But that won't be for a while..
Sometimes, just "diving in" works for some people - but it is YOUR game. You do what you feel comfortable in doing. If you want to wait a while - I might be able to help you out..or at least get you started !