Okay, I'm a big boy so tell me what you think. This is the Coleman's first coat of paint. I'll let it dry for about two hours then return it to the protection of the garage and tomorrow spray the second layer of paint.
Please excuse the glare. Photo taken in my side yard. Today I put another four hours into prep work on the body. This isn't an easy restoration but I sure enjoy the labor.
After the second coat I'll allow it to dry for twenty-four hours and apply a clear coat. Tomorrow I'll begin a second round on the cover and wind guards. Then move on to the gas system. I plan to use a .54 caliber rifle bore brush on the gas tube. Afterwards I'll paint the grill and gas system and drip pan silver. The tank of course will be painted red.
My plans for the gas tank are to wait until the stove is reassembled then light the stove and if the tank works properly, call it good. If the tank system gives me any trouble whatsoever I shall tear it down and repair or replace component parts. I've already cleaned the system and soaked the pump leather in oil and the tank holds pressure but you never know how she'll work until it's time to light the ole girl.
Again with the glare. This picture was taken at 1800 and I thought with the low western sun I wouldn't have problems. Anyhow, I'm very pleased how the Coleman logo letters pop through the paint. I spent several hours with my Dermil and careful attention to make sure each letter was readable. Harder than you might think. I hope to finish in a couple of weeks then I shall either tackle another stove or move on to a couple of Coleman lanterns. I have found a supplier for new old stock Coleman brand logos.
When Sweet Wife came outside for a look she remarked my lungs were probably layered in lead paint. Then huffed off.
That is all...
Stephen
HAHA! She probably thinks your project is just a big waste of time. She might say "you could buy a brand new one for $60, so why waste all that time?" She doesn't understand that this project is a form of meditation and soul cleansing for you. Much better than sitting around chanting OHAMMM, OHAMMM, and when you finished you will have something to show for your time.
ReplyDeleteTruthfully, my friend, she's happy I'm hard at work on this project for the very reason you mentioned. You're astute. It is soul cleansing and a great form of meditation. I do sincerely wish I could purchase a new one but sadly they are no longer manufactured. This is one of the gasoline models. The new ones are LP and made in (I think) in China. Thank you, my good friend.
DeleteNot a bad job.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bubba.
DeleteNot bad at all. I appreciate a labor of love for all its therapeutic value. And even if you could get a new one, it wouldn't mean as much as the one you've lovingly restored.
ReplyDelete+1 on everything Rev Paul said
DeleteRev. Paul, thank you, and you are correct. It helps.
DeleteMatt, thank you my good friend.
Great job Stephen. I call this(working on something you enjoy working on) meditation.
ReplyDeleteSo do I, Sandy. Thank you very much.
Deletedear sweet one - i think that you have taken a beautiful piece of equipment and restored her to her proper beauty...and she thanks you. she needed a little love to restore her and that is what you provided. not a waste of time at all. a labour of love. and you have done a mighty fine job!
ReplyDeleteyour friend,
kymber
She's far from finished, my lovely kymber. But thank you very much. I'm having fun.
DeleteFine job Stephen. Looks like brand new!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Craig, and sorry for late answer. I had to rescue your comment from the spam folder.
DeleteInteresting. So much of what I do is focused on function. First thing I'd do is get it running. Cosmetics would wait until later -if ever. That's a sign I might have too much on my plate.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, I'm taking the time necessary to do a good looking home repair job. It is driving me nuts on how long it's taking, but the job looks good.
Oh she function, Bubba. The tank holds pressure, pumps nicely and I'm sure she'll make flames. I just want to wait until its finished before I decide to replace packing or tear the tank down. I'm sure your home repair will look great. Thanks, my good friend.
DeleteND and NW would have LOVED to help paint... looks good though. Does SW like to go and browse antique shops? I need a antique store shopping buddy.
ReplyDeleteYou are aware, pretty girl, I'd of allowed them to paint their hair some awful pretty colors. I have six cans of red and green. Yes, she loves antique shopping. Just yell. Thanks, my dear friend.
Deletehow did you match the Coleman green in a can, that looks spot on. If you mentioned it earlier I missed it.
ReplyDeleteAnon, I matched the paint by accident. I just stood in front of the selection of paints until my wife said, "Time." I then reached and picked the one I felt matched the old color. It worked. Thanks.
DeleteSecond Anon's question.
ReplyDeleteIs that Coleman-specific? You did a great job matching the original green. Looks like factory new.
Dying to see how it holds up to heat.
I'm getting the idea of doing up my 55-gal drum grill in "Coleman Green" and making a big Coleman logo for it.
MSgt, since the body of the stove receives very little direct heat it isn't necessary (I feel) to use heat rated paint. This afternoon I did paint the gas manifold and gas lines with 1200 rated silver paint. Later I'll use the same paint on the burner (lower and upper) burner plates. Now, on the gas drum...I think it would look great painted 'coleman green,' but think placement...if its located where it can receive direct sunlight the drum will get awful damn hot painted in the dark color...believe it or not Coleman did paint a few of its stoves and lanterns, white. The white was a shade of pearl, but nonetheless white. So, if in direct sun I'd go with the white. If in a shady or semi-shade area, green will work. Thanks, my friend.
DeleteI think it's pretty, green is my favorite color. What do you think about using something like a car pin striping brush and highlighting the letters and other trim type features in white to give it some pop?
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you're finding your peace in it.
Sweet One, I like original. If Coleman had added pinstripes and other highlights I'd turn in that direction but I'm making all attempts to restore it back to its original glory. Same with any old car or truck; I want it like the day it came off the showroom floor. Thanks, sweet one.
DeleteThere's nothing like a spouse to take you down a peg or too. I admire a man who puts so much care and perfection into a project worth doing well. I think you deserve a big pat on the head and a glass of iced tea.
ReplyDeleteAh, shucks. Thank you my dear.
DeleteAlready looks better than mine.
ReplyDeleteThen give it a try...it's fun, and thanks, my friend.
DeleteColeman was one of my clients when I was in the ad biz in Wichita in the 70s. This looks like it just came off the assembly line! Great job. I may go fire my old two-burner up just to celebrate your work.
ReplyDelete~ ZeissMan
Thank you, my new friend. I'm honored. Its a lot of fun and gives me great satisfaction. Please, don't be a stranger.
DeleteHow do you get a nice coat like that with all the heat and humidity?
ReplyDeleteBelieve it or not, magic. All joking aside, I really don't know. I spent over two hours after I finished the surface prep by hand polishing with a soft cotton cloth, rinse, repeat. I'd then rub the surface with my fingertips and if I felt any slight imperfection I'd turn to four ought steel wool and begin the process over, then repeat. The body alone has over ten hours of labor in its finish and I'm still at work on the cover and wings. The work takes place in my garage which is tight and dry. The humidity level inside stands (as I type) at 51%. Thanks, my lovely friend.
DeleteMy goodness, looks like brand new!! Great work, Stephen!
ReplyDeleteWell thanks, my sweet friend. Today I applied the second coat of paint and if I must say so she's has a very nice blush this fine evening...she glows. Next weekend she'll get a nice coat of clear.
DeleteNice job! Looks original. HVLP sprayer?
ReplyDeleteThanks, my friend. And, no, spray cans from Home Depot. I have a gentle touch I guess.
ReplyDelete