1968 Sears Bighat

[Ratkity]

My Sears Bighat 2 mantle lantern is HERE!

Of course I spent all night inspecting it and taking it apart. I couldn't get the main valve assembly out to save my life, so I decided to leave it. Cleaned the tank several times with some leftover large bicycle bearings and some carb cleaner. Lotsa rust in the tank spout, but not so bad elsewhere inside.

Thought it was holding pressure fine, but then realized the gas cap needed a new gasket. Have one on order. Meanwhile, I put a replacement fuel cap on it to see if the rest of the cleaned up parts worked ok and it was holding pressure. IT WORKS! IT'S ALIVE! *wipes tear*

The fount has a lot of patches of missing paint, but no chips in the hat. No overt rusting on the frame. The area around the nut where the vent attaches has missing paint, but I think that's fairly normal.

I promise to post pictures this evening!

Hugs,
Ratkity

[rainjer]

If you tank is rusty, you should pull the valve.

The way I do it I make sure there is no fuel in the tank. I then take a torch and heat the tank where the valve goes in to soften the sealer they use. I then use a quick grip clamp and calm the valve to the edge of the bench. I then use a rubber strap wrench around the tank and it usually comes right off.

Also once you have the valve out, put some BB's in the tank with a little carb cleaner. Plug all if the holes and shake like crazy. Dump and rinse with carb cleaner. Repeat as required.

Jeremy

[Ratkity]

As promised!

Out of the box, sorry, a bit blurry.






Closeup prior to cleaniing


Rusty fuel tank prior to cleaning


Another closeup prior to cleaning




Lit after cleaning - Boss kitty is supervising from inside the house


The reflection in the gargoyle's eyes makes it look evil LOL


Picture of the Coleman (non vintage) stove I got used


Hugs,
Ratkity

[Zollinger]

Nice job Ratkity! Gotta love the looks of the big hats.

[High Desert]

Nice! I've got a '66 of the same model. That blue paint is sure thin, mine was worse than yours when I got it (in pieces at the moment awaiting paint). Congrats on both pieces, those little grill look kewl too.

You're well on your way now

[rainjer]

If you choose to repaint it, decal are available from Fred Kuntz.

Jeremy

[Ratkity]

Thank you all! I'm still waiting for my Christmas tree. I think that one needs a little more TLC.

I can't believe this lantern is still going strong right now. It's been running 2 hours. I only put in a third of a tank of gas just in case there was a leak or a problem.

I just realized you can't see the fuel cap. It's a temp new brass one until the gasket comes in for the original.

I noticed how thin the paint was! I'm reluctant to repaint it because I like it all original.

I bought a Heritage from a friend who never used hers. I'll pick it up next week. Probably gave her too much for it, but she's hurting for $$ and it's still in its box. I wanted to use that as the workhorse lamp.

Hugs,
Ratkity

[campmaster-k]

Ratkity what are you working on now? Great Sears by the way.

[Ratkity]

Ratkity what are you working on now? Great Sears by the way.

Oh, this past St. Paddy's weekend, I was working on staining my tongue a bright green from cupcake frosting at a mini-meet of the Chesapeake Bay Tearjerkers. Much fun was had by all! No lanterns were needed cuz we had a couple of fire tenders that kept the fire height to a steady 6 ft.

Of course we had corned beef and cabbage as a side for every meal. OMGosh, yum. No one could ever accuse our chapter of going hungry when we are together.

Meanwhile, I'm keeping my eyes open for a Dec 62 200A.

Hugs,
Ratkity

[DragonFire]

Nice lantern!!!
Someday I'd like to get one of those..They are just so cool looking.

Sounds like you had a fantastic St Patrick's Day weekend..hope everyone did..I really did!!

Maybe you need a single burner stove to make coffee on so you can 'save' your used camp stove for other stuff!! Just an excuse to get a single burner, I say!!

Congrats on such a nice Sears lantern. It really looks nice. I think if it were me I'd leave the paint alone until it got really bad or something happened to the label...it looks good the way it is..

[Ratkity]

Single burner? YUP!! I have one. A 533 (newish) that I got for a steal on fleabay before prices went wacko. I use it to make tea in the morning if I don't have electric for the water pot. And yup, used it during St Paddy's weekend. I didn't cook anything last weekend, yet ate like a St Paddy's Piggie! LOL.

The single burner doesn't have any issues, no rust, no dings.. just is. The 533 is supposed to be duel fuel, but *gasp* nothing but the best for my Coleman babies!!

Hugs,
Ratkity

[GerryS]

If you choose to repaint it, decal are available from Fred Kuntz.

Jeremy

Whis is the Fred of whom you speak?

I'm feeling the urge to start flea marketing! I love old stuff, and I'm really liking som of the style in the old chrome models. But parts has been a concern....

It's my experience, it takes 3 to make 1 good most of the time, that's bad when I can only find 1....

[rainjer]

Fred make and sells decals. He happens to have the Sears ones.

[email protected]

or you can get them from Cigar Mike at www.oldcolemanparts.com

Jeremy