Stubborn Carb gaskets

Recently bought some used VM26 carbs and finally got around to tearing them apart to rebuild them. Whoever had them apart last used some kind of gasket cement on the float bowl and cap gaskets (both sides!).  After several applications of gasket remover and hours of careful scraping the surfaces are clean.  Those of us that were around in the 70's remember the "Indian Head Gasket Shellac" that came in the small brown bottles (nasty sticky stuff) - I think that's what they used!  Lesson here for those who don't know any better - Carb gaskets go on dry!!  Wish I knew the PO so I could give him a couple dope slaps!  One thing I'll give him credit for:  he did a thorough job sealing them.      

That's funny SF! Haven't used that stuff since the mid 70's, rode my bicycle up the former M&W Auto parts store and grabbed a bottle for my Gilera 106SS Sears special. Still remember the flagrant/sassy smell. 

Thinking also used it on Briggs/Tecumseh closure plates too. Had that "handy" applicator felt ball on a wire within the cap.  

I tend to rub the paper gaskets on the carbs (bowl and top) with lip balm and have found it to work well. 

I haven't heard of "shellac" since my youth. We used to make it from shellac crystals and white spirit, used it on bus starter motor field windings after re-taping with linen tape.

Useful replacement in lieu of paper antiquated gaskets, haven't sought "Keyster" or similar in over a decade, just o-ring them. I know Ed throws a fit over this episode but by golly over this crazy application but it works. Not only for one episode but have been doing it for years. Ness, you have to be laughing at me but still Love Ya  and still appreciate Your engineering aspect!! But believe me this simpleton crap works in application.  

Been in my toolbox for quite a few years!