Hi, New to this forum as I've recently acquired 3 Tilley lamps of various types and vintage. All 3 need some TLC, but one in particular does not sit flat on the bench, it has a distinct bulge in the base. So is this common with pressure lamps? Is there a considered 'best practice' of reworking it? It is in need of a full strip and restoration so getting the top of the fount is not a problem to me. Do I heat the base before tapping it? Rubber mallet? Finger pressure enough? Any other ideas? Thanks, Steve
If you want a usable lamp then chuck the tank in the nearest skip and find a decent replacement. When the base bulges down it also tears the solder seam inside the tank. Have a look at [url=http://0flo.com/index.php?threads/3634 thread and you will find a picture of a blown tank cut in half. Even if you can push the base back up somehow I wouldn't risk using a tank like that. Sid
Only certain Tilleys... It's a fundamental design flaw and happens when they are over pressured. Other designs are better able to withstand overpressure. Yes, it is as Sidders said, don't.
Welcome aboard Steve! I concur that the tank should be scrapped, but even knackered tanks have their uses, for example, the base plates can be removed and turned into reflectors, Jeff.
OK, thanks for the helpful suggestions. It was a £5 car boot find, so not all lost. It can at least serve as a donor to my other lamps.
Glass looked good from a distance, but there is a slight crack at the bottom. Rest looks OK, but I have not started to strip it yet.
I heard that scrap Tilley tanks are worth around £1 at your local scrap merchant. I've got a couple of dozen heading that way soon...
