Hi everyone, Nothing amazing here but thought that you might like to see some pics of my 1st Optimus 111b fettle (mainly doing-up the case). This was an ex-MoD stove thickly painted Olive-drab (kahki). It was working, so the fettling of the stove parts was not an issue, so flushing, cleaning and polishing were all that was required apart form some seals and a new pump leather. The case was a mess, so it was paint stripper, folllowed by wire wool and fine wet & dry paper. A hinge was broken, and John (Presscall) kindly did a small braze repair for me. Thanks John. Next was more rubbing down and then two coats of "Neutrarust" corrosion converter. This turns the rust black and can be painted directly over. Next, 3 coats of automobile spray primer (rattle can type) form Halfords. Rubbing down with a clean "Scotchbright" scourer in between coats. Then 3 coats of Vauxhall Pastel Blue automobile spray paint (again from Halfords) rubbing down lightly between coats, again with the "Scotchbright" scouring pad, and baking in oven at 150C for about 30 minutes between coats. By the way, each coat of primer and top coat was allowed 24 hours between applications. Not a perfect job, but I had fun doing it. Then, the beer can protective liner for the bottom of the case (learnt here on CCS, and what a great idea, thanks), folowed by the lighting-up and wondering if the paint would immediately burn off! It did not so I am happy. Steve.
Looking good. I also have 111B case with a broken hinge. I don't have the skills to do a nice job fixing it, so I have left it alone for now.
Hi Shed-Man congratulations on your first 111 fettle/restoration and a brilliant job you have done through out the paint work is superb and John has done a brilliant job of brazing the hinge. And a very good idea using the profective liner which will protect the paint work with out it the paint under the spirit cup will get scortched which has happendto me with my first 111 restoration
Hi Shedman, very lovely restoration The added touch of aluminum in the base of the burner really helps protect the paint from excess heat reflected back when cooking. Most of my cased stoves have foil underneath just like what you did and does speed up cooking likewise. Congratulations Ron
Wow, it looks like a perfect job to me . Great job and nice work. You took your time and it shows in the finished product, very very nice. Dan
Hey, Steve, OUTSTANDING job, Sir!!! Very well done, and huzzah to you!! Thanks, also for sharing it with us. I love all of it, but especially like the patterned heat shield under the burner. Absolute CLASS!! Take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc
Thanks for your kind comments everyone, and thanks again for the repair John. Happy fettling - Steve.
Itchy If it just the plate that has come away from the casing, drill a hole in the old hinge plate, where the spot weld would be, and get someone with a spot welder. A lot less damage to the paintwork. Same with the hinge itself. Just use a Drimmel to tidy up. Stevie Wonder - a lovely job. I have got bored trying to match mine up to the original colours. Did a 2 tone on the last one. Heat resistant black on the inside, and the bright orange that I used on the Crossland on the outside.
Great Ian, you is always coulourful my friend. I really like the inventivess of us "Stovies". Ain't we lucky to be different from the rest of the world? - Steve
Nice swerve! I am married long time to a Scottish lady so "Stovies" is a regular meal for us. I may just get the lady to reveal her secret recipe to CCS. But basically it is left over meat, or corned beef or suasages, onions, potatoes and dripping. Fried or baked with some left-over gravy and anything else you wish to recycle. A great stodge, especially for a long Hogmanay session! Keeps the back stiff and soaks up lots of stuff you shouln't have drunk in the first place. Steve.
