Picked up a Optimus 350 today, unfortunately it has been converted to electricity! (bayonet bulb fitting, flex and 3 pin plug). On initial viewing it is missing the inner hood, the pressure gauge is missing glass, and the top, however there are no significant dents to the fount or anywhere else. The glass looks period (marked Optimus/Suprax/Made in Germany) and the Fount/control wheel are marked "Made in Sweden". I guess it is from the period late 1960's/early 1970. I'd to restore it to its original condition, but on first view where I would find a original pressure gauge and inner hood is not immediately apparent. Does anybody have any thoughts on where I may search for such items other than holding out for the "bay of evil" to provide?
I'm into a similar mission. To restore a Optimus 300P that also had been electrified. Thanks to my lantern contact Janne W it is on its way to completion. This is what I faced....... Awful I'd say. /M
@Alex Smith G'day Alex, you can replace the pressure gage glass with a watch glass. Optimus 300 Pressure Gauge
@Alex Smith @Matti Kucer Oh, how I love those up cycled items! Good luck to both of you and please keep us informed about your progress. Regards Jeremy
@Matti Kucer ouch! at least the electrical wire on mine hasn't gone through the tank! Looking forwards to seeing the finished job. @ROBBO55 thanks for the tip. @X246A will keep CPL updated - hope to have it taken apart tomorrow for a better assessment , have some time off in lieu owed to get to grips with the horrific up-cycled thing!
There is a difference between pressure gauge, and level gauge, the latter benefitting the 'watch' treatment. Fortunately the pressure gauge on this Optimus lamp is likely similar to the Petromax meter/fuelcap type. The plastic 'window' in that type - or transparent cap depending on model - is not critical to keep the pressure in, as with a level gauge. So no need to scramble for a replacement. A picture of your item and good presentation always helps, btw. The inner cap is likely replacable with again a Petromax (or similar) 350/500 item. You might have to tweak the setting of the mixing chamber, but I think even some chinese lamps could be satisfactory donors. Good luck! Mike
Up cycled? I think that translates to FUBAR! Good luck with the lamps, hope to see them popping back into life again. Stevie
Matti Kucer, Sorry to say In my opinion (Not even safe to use as is.) That modification breaks almost all laws of Electrical Safety, 1 single insulated wires 2 no protection where cables go through sharp metal 3 no earth to exposed metal case 4 wires shall not be pulled around sharp corners (Licensed Electrical Fitter Mechanic)
@X246A as has been explained above. My late uncle Ed was 82nd Airborne during ww2. This was one of his favourite expressions. ‘F****d up beyond all recognition’ Although parachute infantry, he went in on D-Day in a glider, the operation he said was FUBAR! But he’ll, he lived to tell the tale...
FUBAR expressed as the innards of the Optimus 350 electrical wonder: The tank has the special smell of off fuel as well
@Tony Press @Norman @BigStevie Thanks for the explanations. Strangely enough I’d worked out the first two words. Regards Jeremy
My 300P is under reconstruction. I'm planning to post under reference gallery soon. Here's a sneek peek pic. Regards Matti Kucer
