Two VERY rusty lanterns......

[bigbear]

So I got these two, given them a bit of a brush to see What makes they are, never heard of either which is not surprising as I know very little about these.
Big question is do you think they can be restored ?
And if so, whats the first step ?
Any ideas much

 

[uncleboob]

Check them for leaks first, put some liquid in an see where it leaks out..if it seeps here and there then no worries...personally I’d strip down the working parts and make sure they are all turning, get some rust treatment on them to stop any further rusting, then away you go...get some paint on!


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[Mesquite]

You've got a couple lanterns by Chalwyn, a good British manufacturer of hurricane lanterns. The models you've got are Tropic and Gremlin and, apart from the rust, are in pretty good condition.

I've got 2 or 3 Tropics and am still searching for a Gremlin

As for restoration, this is what I did for a couple Feuerhand lanterns that were in a similar condition and this is a Chalwyn Tropic I did up similarly. You can go full restoration as I did or stop at the rust cleared stage, both would look good.

 

[bigbear]

Thanks for that, some further cleaning reveals that one tank is holed on the base at the seam, other seems OK, need to get the fuel cap off to see if tank holds liquid but its well stuck, put some penetrating fluid on and will try tomorrow.
Will keep you updated !

 

[Mesquite]

Thanks for that, some further cleaning reveals that one tank is holed on the base at the seam, other seems OK, need to get the fuel cap off to see if tank holds liquid but its well stuck, put some penetrating fluid on and will try tomorrow.
Will keep you updated !

Lift the glass up and remove the wick holder then you can add extra penetrating oil in to the tank so it soaks both ways

 

[bigbear]

The Gremlin is intact so far, in citric acid to de rust.
The tropic is holed but got the glass and wire support out if you would like them as spares ? Happy to post or you can collect from Bradford, not sure where you are.

 

[uncleboob]

Thanks for that, some further cleaning reveals that one tank is holed on the base at the seam, other seems OK, need to get the fuel cap off to see if tank holds liquid but its well stuck, put some penetrating fluid on and will try tomorrow.
Will keep you updated !

Tbh I would repair the hole, run some solder on it, patch it up...don’t give up on it yet find a work around


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[bigbear]

Tbh I would repair the hole, run some solder on it, patch it up...don’t give up on it yet find a work around


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Appreciate your point but its rotten, big gaping hole.

 

[Mesquite]

Appreciate your point but its rotten, big gaping hole.

Restore it and convert it to LED.

You can get the bits from a donor LED lamp very cheaply

 

[bigbear]

Nice idea !

 

[bigbear]

There she is, wick still looks good, can I use it ?
OK, more stupid questions.....
More time in acid or wire brush from here, whaddya think ?
I have a bottle of liquid paraffin which is clear and more viscous than paraffin, is this a usable fuel or stick with paraffin ? I thought they would be the same but they are clearly different.
when cleaned up, just pour in paraffin, allow it to soak up the wick and thats it, right ?
Mesquite, if you would like the spare glass and wire for the tropic just pm me your address ?
As ever, thanks folks, I am learning so much.

 

[EdS]

Bucket of caustic soda and car battery charge (plus lump of steel as electrode)

Use the lamp as other electrode. Job done

 

[bigbear]

Well, for one I dont have a car battery lying around, and I would most likely, as a former A level Physics teacher, electrocute myself !
Will stick to citric acid I think, its brought the wick holder up lovely.
What do you reckon on the paraffin front Ed ? Is liquid paraffin ok as a fuel ? Its much more viscous than ordinary paraffin.

 

[Mesquite]

I'd leave it as is apart from putting it in an oven for a while to dry it out thoroughly, especially the tank. Once dry take a green scourer and lightly rub it down then spray with WD40 and you're done.

As for fuel they're designed to burn paraffin or lamp oil which is the same, just not as smelly.

Thanks for the offer of the Tropic globe spares are always handy I'll drop you a message later on

 

[bigbear]

I'd leave it as is apart from putting it in an oven for a while to dry it out thoroughly, especially the tank. Once dry take a green scourer and lightly rub it down then spray with WD40 and you're done.

As for fuel they're designed to burn paraffin or lamp oil which is the same, just not as smelly.

Thanks for the offer of the Tropic globe spares are always handy I'll drop you a message later on

Thanks man, top tips !

 

[bigbear]

Gremlin fired up but burning very smoky, sooting up the glass. Using lamp oil so not sure why....


Now sorted, wick too high, will clean glass and post Again if its clean.

 

[bigbear]

A satisfying end to this little project, thanks to all who advised !

 

[Mesquite]

Very nice restoration BB. You can't beat a hurricane lantern to give some nice ambiance around the camp