this was sorta surprising....update on her projects

[doug hodder]

I had what I thought was a customer show up at the store early today...I unlocked the door and let her in figuring she was looking for some fabric on her way to Tahoe which happens often. Imagine my surprise when she comes up and says..."I hear you know about Coleman lanterns". Hmmmmm...what's up?...this older lady, whom you would never think would be into them, asking about Coleman lanterns. I said..."yup, I know a bit". She takes me out to her car and voila...a bunch of them. On her list of lanterns also includes 2 Christmas lanterns with correct dates and a number of nickel font lanterns, she also owns some Quiklites.

Get this...she just got into restoring them! She's got all the speciality tools from e-bay, just looking for some pointers on how to break them down and rebuild. I spent about 30 min. with her giving her some tips and techniques on how to do it all, directed her to some of the Coleman sites. She really had some nice ones, not a beater in the bunch. I was nice and told her to hang onto the Christmas ones as they are really desirable.

So the store opens and I've got a Coleman torn apart on the counter and my hands are dirty...It was a good day at the store....ya never know just who might be interested in this stuff....Doug

[rainjer]

Ah man Doug, you blew it.... You should have told her the Christmas lanterns were just "frankenlanterns" and you would "dispose" of them for her. Then you could have sent one to me & we both would have one....

That is a cool story. When are you giving your 2nd lesson?

Jeremy

[cuyeda]

Did you inquire as to how she was referred to you? You should have charged her for Coleman consultation. ha ha. However I know you wouldn't do that to nice old lady. How did she become interested in lanterns in the first place? There must a be a story...

[doug hodder]

Cliff...she's a quilter also, but had heard of my interest by word of mouth. She has been collecting for a while, just garage sale finds, now wants to get them all working. This lesson included carb cleaner and BB's, PB blaster, and a quick tear down on a 200. Ran out of time and had no tools to do much more than that. Her husband has no interest in working with them at all...it's HER hobby! Not in the car...but she's got military's too! Doug

[High Desert]

Cool story Doug. Obviously your fame proceeds you in many circles now

[hotrod]

wow!! thats awesome! lololol

[Redgloves]

Doug,

I found a 1968 Sears Lantern Friday at Salvation Army. Your first post references Ebay for speciality tools, what is needed to make this lantern workable?

I am interested in using the lantern while camping. Granted some will gasp instead of displaying. I have enough stuff to dust already.


What are the Coleman sites referenced in your post?

Thanks,
Jean

[Ratkity]

Doug,

I wonder if the lady is gonna restore them and sell on ebay or just keep her collection?

Still, very cool story!!

Hugs,
Ratkity

[Zollinger]

Doug owns a Fabric/Coleman repair shop? You da man Doug.

[doug hodder]

I found a 1968 Sears Lantern Friday at Salvation Army. Your first post references Ebay for speciality tools, what is needed to make this lantern workable?

Kinda depends on what's wrong with it and you won't know that till you start fiddling with it.....I've found that I can take apart any of them with the tools in my shop. For the check valve...I made my own tool, a modified spade bit with a rubber collar. This lady had purchased the "official" check valve removal tool that a Coleman enthusiast is now making. There is also a tool for removing the valve body from the tank. Coleman also made a number of wrenches that were specific to different lanterns. The offset bent wrench is handy for the 220's 228's...I've lucked into finally collecting all the Coleman tools I need with the lanterns that I've gotten.

Check the top of this section (stickies) for some links to stove/lantern sites. Doug

PS..nothing wrong with making it a user. I have only 1 piece that's pretty much for display...my 1930 2E stove/oven combo. All of mine get used regularly...kinda fun, I pick which lanterns/stoves I'm going to take when I go camping.

[Dave A]

Next thing you know Doug's going to get a box van and make house calls.
I can see the the lettering on the side" COLEMANS AND QUILTS TO GO"

[caseydog]

Ah man Doug, you blew it.... You should have told her the Christmas lanterns were just "frankenlanterns" and you would "dispose" of them for her. Then you could have sent one to me & we both would have one....

Note to self: Don't buy a used car from Jeremy.


CD

[Ratkity]

I totally love my Christmas tree lantern. I can't believe it's running like it was just purchased new. I bought a nice clamshell case for cheap (can't believe I won it on eBay) for the Sears Big Hat.

I'm trying to figure out a cool way to display my lanterns off the side of my Reverse tear with a removable hook. I wish I knew how to weld! That would solve a lot of the stuff I have ideas for in my head.

I could weld that cool looking AC swing arm to the window that I saw on another thread, I could weld a nice bicycle holder on the front cargo area, I could weld a thingie for putting my homemade digital antenna up on and then have a similar one on the other side to hold my lantern pole that has a cool hook on it.. hehe.. so many things! Maybe I just need to put out a cooler of beer and see if a welder is attracted to the bait.

hehe.

Hugs and thanks for all the information you guys have!!
Ratkity

[Zollinger]

Next thing you know Doug's going to get a box van and make house calls.
I can see the the lettering on the side" COLEMANS AND QUILTS TO GO"

OOOoooo I can see it now. Coleman repair shop and quilting classes for making Coleman quilted cozies for their pampered lanterns. Who needs plastic case when you can have a custom quilted cozies.

[doug hodder]

Coleman quilted cozies for their pampered lanterns.

I think I smell a challenge..... Doug