Thanks to @X246A @JonD and @AussiePete for advice on the burner. This is 1964 and I found it at the back of a shelf in the shed hidden behind a load of scrap X246Bs. Stripped back to bare brass to revile pesky dents that needed to be filled, primed then finished in Halfords Ford Arizona Gold and lacquer. I’m actually thinking this colour would be spot on for the PL53s. (Watch this space) I’m aware it should probably have a 171 glass in but I had some deep glasses spare and thought it looked better. Luckily it had retained its original pump and control cock.
It is really nice seeing a lamp receive this level of care and attention and done properly, filling the imperfections and then priming, well done. I used Ford Arizona Gold on my two Pork Pies last month and whilst not original it really suits. Let's be honest, the original colour is rather brite and brash, I much prefer this more subtle colour. Talking of filler, I remember having the privilege of watching a real craftsman lead fill a panel on a Rolls Royce. First panel beating with dollies and then filling with lead solder bars, rasp filling and finish. Finally primer filler blocked back several times before painting Rolls Royce Pearl Black. Good stuff.
Lead loading as it's known is much better if you have the patience and the knack of doing it, I was trained by an old guy back in the 70's as it has the ability to flex whereas filler tends to crack at the weak points. My garage also doubles up as a nuclear fall out shelter from when I was lead loading my old VX4/90 victor, 75% of the lead ended up on the walls or floor - worst was when it landed up on the back of my hand !!! Many expletives, too many to mention.
Hiya Steve, mine was a 1972 FE which had stood for many years before I got it ,but alsa was reasonable when I got it as it was dry stored. As with all 1970' s Vauxhall's it suffered around the rear arches in particular, by the time i finished it was certainly a few Kg's heavier on the back end. No longer own it but it's still out there owned and showed by a member of the Vauxhall owners club. Lamps are much easier to source than Vauxhall body parts but just as infectious!!
@paparazi I have also used the Ford Solar Gold, recently on this table lamp. slightly brighter in colour.
@Gary Waller .. I have sent off for this very paint just today! It looks a great job, Gary .. is there any lacquer over that, at all? p.s.was that also Halfords brand?
@Gary Waller Excellent restoration and the fill and paint finish is perfectly executed. Well done! Regards Jeremy
@Gary Waller Well done mate, you’ve done a grand job. I do like the colour and the finish looks excellent. Now we need to see the “money shot”. Cheers Pete
@Gary Waller Did you bother to sand the primer? Did you find the need to sand between any coats? It is really impressive seeing this level of attention being given to a fairly ordinary lamp. I don't think many vollectors would give such attention to this model of lamp. Seeing your fettle, I have a few common Australian makes that you may have inspired me to treat equally, as I would a less common lamp.
@Matty yes the primer was sanded between coats with wet and dry paper. Then 2 coats of the gold then a fine wet and dry sand before 2 coats of lacquer. It’s is a lamp that I hadn’t got in my collection so thought I would do it right.
Gary, Thanks for the tip in regards to sanding. When sanding prior to lacquer we are talking 1,000, 2,000 or 3,000 wet and dry? Indeed, why not make it look the part. I was serious with what I said. I actually went and got a couple of lanterns I wouldn't normally give a second glance to size them up for a spruce up.
@Matty Halfords recommend 1200 but I thought that was a bit course so I used 2500 with slightly soapy water and it worked fine.
Gary, I'd have thought 1200 was a bit coarse too. I have 2,000 paper here that I use on brass founts before I polish them.
