preserving a xp 205

[Lil Chillbil]

I recently retired my old xp 205 it still has all of its original stickers on it. I want to keep it all in good running shape in museum condition who has any ideas ?

[SEAL]

XP 205? Do you mean 105? I don't think they ever made a 205...

iSoaker is probably the one to ask, but if you ask me, I'd suggest putting it in a box full of styrofoam peanuts, and keeping it somewhere safe (Without mice, rats, etc.).

[Nitro123PG]

I would put it in a box with something there to protect and preserve it, like styrofoam peanuts or bubble wrap. Put in a dark, cool, dry area. Like your basement. My neighbor owns a CPS 2000, (which I plan on buying next week). It was used for about 2 years but has been kept in their basement for the past 13 years since and it is in very good aesthetic condition and in perfect working order. Keep it somewhere in the basement where mice, rats, or floods cannot get to your soaker. Hopefully, iSoaker post here because if anyone knows how to take care of water gun, it's him.

This is helpful to: http://www.loc.gov/preservation/family/ftprotect.html

[isoaker]

Not sure if you're referring to an XP20, XP250, or XP105 (because unless you have a misprinted label, there is no XP205).

As for care and storage ideas, see: Cleaning and Storage Tips on iSoaker.com. That said, while I have a system, it is still not optimal and am always looking for ways to improve it. While dry is better than damp to minimize mildew growth, too dry ends up dessicating rubber seals and bladders, making them more likely to weaken, crack and/or break. I've been searching for means of preserving rubber elasticity, but even chemical treatment with some fairly poisonous stuff does not really seem to help in the long run.

[atvan]

basement=dry? where do you live? :p

Dry is good. Better than good actually. Clean it, dry it, dry it some more, fire air shots until it doesn't wet a piece of paper, and dry some more.