I have just bought a Vapalux.

Hi All, I have just bought a Vapalux, not had one before so I know next to nothing about them. It is stamped "Vapalux Halifax" around the hood, with a date 1943. above an arrow it also has a hole in the globe for lighting it. I have it in bits at the moment so I can give it a good clean, but i cant get the Red knob off the control cock. I believe it unscrews anti clockwise but it's proving impossible to remove, it has a steel tank with a warning sticker on it regarding cleaning it out to prevent rust. I am impressed with the Quality of this lamp and am so glad I bought it, I want to repaint the tank but no doubt I will lose the sticker, are these stickers still available and where would I get one from, as for the colour I cant say I am fond of it, it's like an uninspiring Bluey Grey, I am thinking of changing it, can anyone suggest a nice colour ?

 

Hi Colin
Stunning original example, I would leave it exactly how it is, perhaps with a clean and polish. If you do decide to re-paint it see my post on the Fettle section on the paint I used, but personally I think it’s too good to re-paint......but it’s your lamp so up to you. Give me a shout if you need anything.

 

I agree with Gary. that is a superb find and with intact "holey" glass too. It is wearing its years well.

 

I absolutely agree with the above comments, it looks very original. I have one in a much more battered condition that I’m loathed to repaint. They’re only original once!

 

It doesn't show in the pictures, but the paint on the tank is in very poor condition very flaky and covered in what looks like 30 yrs+ of dust. So i have decided to get some paint, I have been down to RRS. Paint suppliers to the motor body repair industry I took the top of the hood with me to get a colour match, (I could not find your post Gary) so will see how it turns out when its done.

 

A grand old lantern!

Removing those knobs can be difficult, I use two pairs of pliers, one set to grip the spindle and the other set to grip the knob and it does unscrew anti clockwise, but sometimes tightening it a tad can free it, use some scraps of leather or something to protect the spindle and the knob.

 

1943 Vapalux 300
@Pitsmoor Col i think this is it..

 

Cheers Gary, I had another look and found it about 20 min ago. Cheers.

 

Good find ! enjoy

 

Yes, a very nice Vapalux 300, 1943. I would leave it as close as possible to the original blue/gray color even if you do paint it. I don't think W&B started painting these other than the blue/gray color for another year.

 

Try a little penetrating oil on the knob too. It does help.

 

Very nice Indeed! I'm looking for a 300 for my collection soon....

 

Doing my best, but the little bugger will not shift. Tried penetrating oil but still no go, and I think I may have done damage, the control shaft just turns and turns it don't feel like it's doing anything at all. Do these lamps use the same mantles as the Tilley Lamps or do I have to buy dedicated mantles ?

 

That is the older style of Vapalux pricker control and they are designed to turn fully, the later ones do not.
It's best to use the proper mantles as the Vapalux burner is larger than the Tilley burner, but it is possible to rig other mantles to fit.

 

Lovely looking lamp, it's taken nearly 80 year's to get that patina. I'm with the majority in saying just clean it but in the end it's your decision as you've spent your money so it's your choice.
If you paint it then regret it i hope you're still around in 78 years when time will come around again.
Either way enjoy it

 

Cheers Jeff, good info.

 

@Pitsmoor Col

To remove the knob, you need two pairs of pliers, one to grip the spindle, the other to grip the knob. Use something like cloth or a piece of old shoe leather to prevent leaving teeth marks from the pliers.

 

If you have access to a vice that can help you hold the shaft stull (with protective leather) while you turn the control knob. Obviously you'll need to partially disassemble but I'm guessing this is your plan anyway.

Lovely lantern by the way.

 

Hi all I have tried all the above methods to remove the control knob, but the little bugger is so happy where he is he will not move. I have tried gentle heat, (hot water) I will just have hope it does not leak when I put it all back together again.

 

If the gland seal leaks you'll have to strip it down again anyway so I'd persevere a little longer. I've had them where I've literally had to hold the shaft in vice grips with a protective piece of leather and again with curved jawed grips with leather over the knob before it gave way, it almost like there's a thread sealant applied when they're assembled .

 

Yes, I agree with Keith’s comments above. I’ve done four and three were very difficult to remove. Vice grips did the job and all thre came off without breaking.

 

Are vice grips the same as mole grips ? that's what I would try.

 

The very same thing!

 

You may need the narrow jaw version to squeeze them between the knob and the gland nut.

 

I would use some of the PTFE Gas tape, undo the gland nut, wrap some round, do a dunk test ?

 

Yep, tried them as well.

 

I have had sucess with graphite tape and scissors- fettlebox carries it. Not sure if you can tease the old seal out without removing the knob tho.

 

Lovely Lamp... Nice find!

 

Done it, boiling water and vice grips. There is a bit of damage on the shaft, but I can sort it with a fine file and some emery cloth.

 

Well done. I confess to inventing several new cuss words when trying to remove the little blighters.