What should I do with a nickel fount that has most of the...

[Lizbeth]

nickel missing?

I bought a 242c that was VERY dirty, cover with unidentified gunk. Spent yesterday soaking and scrubbing. Everything came out ok but the fount. Under all the gunk it appears to have been nickel coated but it is mostly brass like someone (not me) polished most of the nickel off.

Do I try to get the rest of the nickel off (how?) and paint it or just polish the brass?

I am new at this, it's lots of work!

[eamarquardt]

To be "correct" you would have it replated with nickel. Most shops have a minumum charge of about 80 bucks so it may not be your first choice.

So, do whatever you like (polish, don't polish, replate) and be happy.

Cheers,

Gus

[droid_ca]

I'd replate it but then I'd plafe it with gold or silver

[Lizbeth]

Plating isn't in the budget.

This is my learning lantern, I'm a lantern virgin. I figured it would be good to try this one because I figured I couldn't hurt it and it was the first one I ran across in the wild after start to keep my eyes open for one.

What is the globe rest made of? It too looks plated/chromed? The shiny is all splotchy with brass (?) showing through.

[hotrod]

Plating isn't in the budget.

This is my learning lantern, I'm a lantern virgin. I figured it would be good to try this one because I figured I couldn't hurt it and it was the first one I ran across in the wild after start to keep my eyes open for one.

What is the globe rest made of? It too looks plated/chromed? The shiny is all splotchy with brass (?) showing through.

paint it, thats what I would do after all things are considered...you might come across a clean 242 in nicer shape sometime in the future.. get it running right, paint it and use it!

[parnold]

I had a similar fount, and found that with a little patience very fine wet sand paper can remove the nickel. I think I was using 1200 grit. Afterwards a little polishing with some steel wool 00 and it looks very nice.

Maybe someday I'll have it plated, but it was a real eyesore with half the nickel missing, and the all brass look is rather nice looking.

[eamarquardt]

..........it was a real eyesore with half the nickel missing............

Some might suggest that "eyesore" equals "patina" and "original vintage finish".

You might consider just leaving it alone. Less work and you won't have to worry about it deteriorating further as further ageing will just add to it's character.

Cheers,

Gus

[Lizbeth]

Thanks for the options, I do think for now it will be left with "original vintage finish". Now it needs to be reassembled and I have to get some fuel to try it!

[doug hodder]

If you have access to a buffing wheel....put some rouge on it and buff away won't take long to get it all to brass. Everyone in the lantern community would know it's been done...most others wouldn't and think it was cool. Spray it with a clear lacquer afterward or you will need to do touch up polish on it all the time. Doesn't really matter...it's yours to do what you want with. 242C's aren't that hard to come by, it's a great "starter" lantern. It will run forever once you get it all done up. Have fun with it! Doug

[High Desert]

Like Doug said, it's your lantern; do what makes you happy with it. I've seen some polished brass founts that really looked great. If fact I have one on deck that may get that treatment just for grins. Painted would be correct for most of the run too. 242s are one of the best models they ever built. Just be sure an show it off to us when you get it done!

[Lizbeth]

It ain't purty but it lives!

[Larwyn]

I like it the way it is! Good job cleaning it up.

[Zollinger]

I like it. Looks good for it's age. We all show a little wear eventually.

[High Desert]

It ain't purty but it lives!

That's a fine looking 242 just as is. If you leave it that way, with care it will still look the same in another 20 years and run just as good too. Well done

[starleen2]

I tend to agree with the others as well - let it be what it will be - Use it and have fun with it. It ain't no shelf queen - but it can still be a burner for sure!