Tilley Flounder lantern X458

I have acquired this lantern which is in mainly good nick (mechanically) needs restoring which I am really looking forward to doing. I have a couple of questions 1) Which type of gold paint would be the best. 2) Is there any chance of obtaining the reflector which is missing? 3) If not what are the dimensions of the reflector so that maybe I can manufacture something close.

 

I can’t help with the reflector, but VHT Universal Gold is a good match for Tilley gold.

You don’t need high temperature variations of the paint; don’t get one that needs curing above 94°C.


Cheers

Tony

 

Mine came with a brass washer fitted behind the reflector and a silver plated washer in the front of the reflector..

 

Maybe some of the Companion brand LPG heater attachments which have medium sized reflectors may help. They are often found at second hand shops for a moderate price.

 

Thanks for the dimensions. I think I will end up having to fabricate something myself

 

An excellent find!

 

Very good idea. I see some heater type propane attachments often. So maybe one of those would be near enough.

 

Thanks Anthony. These dimensions are very useful as a guide.

 

@David Cully

I just went searching online for my favourite Tilley gold substitute, VHT Universal Gold (SP 132), after a heads up from @Buggerlugs, and it seems to be out of stock everywhere. It may be out of production.

The other VHT golds aren’t the same, so don’t go there (yet). There’s another gold in my shed that I’ll dig out tomorrow, which is close to Tilley gold.

Cheers

Tony

 

I can get this Rust Oleum gold from local Bunnings. I wonder if this would be much good? It isn't VHT though

 

If the colour is good, it will be fine. I’ve used various “paint and primer in one” ceramic paints and they’ve worked well.

You don’t need high temperature paint on a tank, but you need to ensure the paint is cured properly.

As a matter of course I cure all my painted parts after the paint has reached the “handle after X hours stage”, either at 65°C if there’s no curing instructions, or at the curing temperature recommended on the tin.

The reason for doing this is to set the paint hard to increase its resistance to fuel spills.

[Note: 1. Always cure paints well below the melting point of its weakest part (eg solder). 2. Don’t ruin relationships by doing this in the kitchen oven].

In the absence of an oven in the shed, leave part to dry one week to 10 days.

The @Buggerlugs is expert in painting Tilleys, so might chime in if not out marauding the op shops of southern Australia…


Cheers

Tony

 

Hi Tony,

Many thanks for your sage advice. I have had good results from Rust-Oleum products in the past. I usually put the painted items in full sun on a windowsill. I find it takes about three weeks for the paint to harden enough to be reliable to use.

 

Excellent!


Cheers

Tony

 

Hi mate.
If you dont have an oven this is our home made one.
Home made oven

 

This is a buy it now from Evil bay, so I can show you this.
This is the paint that @Tony Press and I use for our Tilley lamps.
Now this will shock you, and this is the cheapest I have found, also this is for one can of spray paint only.
This mob knows that this paint is no longer being produced, previously you could buy this paint for $15.99 AUD.
This is a legitimate Evil bay seller.
Warning: Maybe sit down first, before looking and if you have a bad heart don't look.




This is the new foruma, and I'm told it doesn't spray very well, as it can leave blotches here and there, and isn't the same colour either, so I wouldn't waste my money or time on it, this also sells for $15.99 AUD.




Regards
Buggerlugs.

 

I managed to get one of the Companion reflectors (same as your photo). It is 1cm larger all around than the original but so close it is near enough. Thanks for the suggestion, it was right on the money. I have just ordered some panel washers which should be near enough as well.

 

Charlatans. But equally, they might as well ask a $million - nobody worth their salt will pay it...

 

I managed to purchase the exact same VHT universal gold here in New Zealand. Cost me around US$16.00 per spray can! So charlatans yes, con-artists more like it.

 

Whatever paint you find, it won't need to be VHT so don't let that be a problem. Any craft enamel-type paint in an aerosol can from a local DIY/hardware shed will do. B&Q in the UK and whatever equivalent you have down under...

 

I'm just wondering how would it look if you were to plate it with real gold instead of painting.

 

Probably something like this which I picked up on eBay many years ago. Obviously real 24 carat gold so I've never had it on a lantern.

Anyway, if anyone fancies it for a display lantern, it can go - make me an offer:-