Found a used Coleman 500 (I think, if not a 500 what is it?) for 45$. Is it worth it? The owner says it works.
1954 and later, check e-bay for comparable prices. They'r pretty bullet proof, and should work with a little TLC. Paul
Check the underside of the tank and shine a light inside the tank looking for rust. It won't still be working unless the owner has changed the tank cap seal.
I think it is a 500A, which, I think again, came with the round grate, while the 500 (no 'A') came with the scalloped or star-shaped grate. The tanks of the 500s were made thicker than their modern counterparts, but as David said, check for rust spots and poke them to make sure they aren't run all the way through. Have not had any 500s with rust problems but you never know. These are great runners and looks like you've found a nice one. sam
Not sure if by found you meant bought. If so, congrats. If you have not purchased and this is a stove you are considering, I would check the values on EBay. They make great fettling projects as parts are available and there's really no modern equivalent.
If you haven't bought it, go get it. I believe it is a 500A as well. If you need any help fettling this, let me know.
They are a great stove! The burner is in great shape, as it hasn't warped at all, as some get so warped you can't tell if they were originally scalloped or round. Ask me how I know. There's a terrific account of their development from 1938 onward in the gallery in a pdf file by Terry Marsh. It makes a great read. https://classiccampstoves.com/fusion/gallery/1/1263947168-Coleman_500_stove_models.pdf It sucks as a backpacking stove unless you have your own porters to haul it around, but as a car camper or stay at home stove it can't be beat, literally. Stan
It's for sure a 500A grate, but the stove itself appears to be a 500. The grates do interchange. I thought all the USA 500As had a green steel fount. It could also be Canadian, which made that stove far longer. Can you get a pic from the side? The casting is different between 500 and 500A and it would be possible to tell you. Definitely go get it. LOL-I see you are in Canada-so likely a Canadian 500A which they made as late as 1970 or so.
The collar looks to have wide spacing and I cannot tell if there is a higher set of holes in it (second row), so my guess is that its a Canadian version. Not sure if Coleman Canada made nickel 500A's though. Hopefully Agostino or another Canadian member can set us straight if its all original or from two different models. Dan
If $45 won't kill your budget and you want that (nice looking!) stove then the price is great regardless of what others think. Or at least that's the excuse I use.......
The worth of a stove can only be calculated by factoring in the following: 1.How much disposable income you have 2.How much desire you have to acquire the appliance 3.How much knowledge you have about the appliance 4.How many appliances you have altogether 5.How much input your wife has on your decision 6.How much storage space you have left 7.How rare the appliance is 8.How long you have been acquiring these appliances 9.How much experience you have fettling these appliances 10.How much time you have to fettle That's a good start to make your buying decision. Stan
