Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie

Steamer Chest Repair and parts

Options
  • 07-08-2013 10:13am
    #1
    dingdong1234567
    Registered Users Posts: 828 ✭✭✭


    I have an old Steamer Chest that has been stored for the past 20 odd years, it was previously handed down from my grandparents to my parents and i offered to restore it for them..here's the thing i have never done anything like this before.

    Therefore i have come here in the hope someone more knowledgeable maybe able to shed some light on a few things.

    1. Rust removal - is it hard to restore old locks, hinges etc by removing the rust?
    2. I think the trunk is covered in leather or some kind of parchment - what kind of treatment would this need...assuming it does not need to be replaced?

    I know these are long shot questions without pictures, as i in work i cannot upload pics atm. But i will later tonight.

    Thanks in advance all
    20130802_165144.jpg


Comments

  • Options
    #2
    jack of all
    Registered Users Posts: 2,372 ✭✭✭jack of all


    Fair play to you for taking on something like this, looks like a lot of work involved and obvious difficulties in sourcing appropriate materials. As regards the canvas covering, would it be possible to use a fabric like that used in sail making, which could be treated afterwards with a waterproofing agent/ dirt resisting treatment? As for split rivets (bifurcated type), these are used by leather craft workers and there is a special die or setting block used to clench them over, definitely should be available from a specialist supplier online. As regards restoring the metal fittings these are presumably nickel plated steel? Safest way to approach these would be to remove worst of the rust with a small brass wire brush and scrub with water. Dry off and get to work with a coarse cotton cloth with some Autosol metal polish. Once you've cleaned up best you can, just polish with a clear wax and buff to a shine. As for the corner protectors- they look pretty shot, I've seen these for sale in the small ironmongers/ hardware shop on Little Mary Street, Dublin 1. I'm sure you could source these online also. If handy with a tin snips and you have some soldering skills these are pretty easy to fabricate from copper or brass sheet.


  • Options
    #3
    dingdong1234567
    Registered Users Posts: 828 ✭✭✭dingdong1234567


    jack of all wrote: »
    Fair play to you for taking on something like this, looks like a lot of work involved and obvious difficulties in sourcing appropriate materials. As regards the canvas covering, would it be possible to use a fabric like that used in sail making, which could be treated afterwards with a waterproofing agent/ dirt resisting treatment? As for split rivets (bifurcated type), these are used by leather craft workers and there is a special die or setting block used to clench them over, definitely should be available from a specialist supplier online. As regards restoring the metal fittings these are presumably nickel plated steel? Safest way to approach these would be to remove worst of the rust with a small brass wire brush and scrub with water. Dry off and get to work with a coarse cotton cloth with some Autosol metal polish. Once you've cleaned up best you can, just polish with a clear wax and buff to a shine. As for the corner protectors- they look pretty shot, I've seen these for sale in the small ironmongers/ hardware shop on Little Mary Street, Dublin 1. I'm sure you could source these online also. If handy with a tin snips and you have some soldering skills these are pretty easy to fabricate from copper or brass sheet.

    Thanks for the reply jack of all. The covering as is, is known as as vulcanised fibre. It would appear to be impossible to get. However it is my intention to restore what I have in terms of covering. The ironware is in good nick once you remove the rust. Just need to try your recommendation above for shining and sealing. I am updating this same thread over in the woodwork forum also.


    Just on the covering btw, canvas material can be used. I believe by simply gluing this on and seal with a clear polyurethane. It could also be painted whatever colour you fancy.

    The saga continues..........


Advertisement