[I have eighty first year frames that I ...wanted to do was dip them in boiling water.
Anyone have any horror stories about doing this? ]
Absolutely not, this is how I sanitized some 2000 shallow frames.
I used a lye bath, but the principle is the same.
Just try to find a pot deep enough (I was boiling water in a 55 gal. drum).
It will save you dipping time.
Be careful with the hot water (you probably don't need lye if you didn't have any signs of disease).
I'd boil until the wax is off or soft and do a once over scrapping wax while still warm.
Try not to flex the frames while wet (that's your only time of concern worrying if you are doing any damage).