I hesitate to call this a fettle as this 22b fired up when I got it on the dribble of fuel that was still in the tank. This arrived a few days after I spotted an attractively priced Buy It Now It wasn’t obvious from the seller’s photos, but this has a… custom paint job. I won’t say more, people in glass houses and all that… As mentioned above, it fired up with little effort A / the previous owner appears to have had a thing for aluminium. I suspect the baffle in front of the tank may have been a means of taking some pressure off the SRV (see below), which was fizzing slightly but I am at a loss as to the purpose of the sheet affixed to the inside of the lid. I have a suspicion it may have been ‘glued’ by the paint. The nuts on the fuel line / manifold got a soak in penetrating oil for a few days before I proceeded to take things apart. The burners spent some time in an ultrasonic bath and had a good going over with a brass brush: All the burner components work fine - I didn’t need to replace anything. One of the spindles is a little warped, I will come back to that another day. The SRV came apart easily enough The old (cork?) seal was well past its best and was replaced with a 5mm seal from the Fettlebox (cf 22B SRV pip size). The NRV got a new pip and lead washer. After putting everything back together things fired up nicely Now I can make tea *and* coffee at the same time What remains is the case. The thick black paint has helped preserve it but is …unsympathetic…. Before I start down that road, the hinged ‘door’ in front of the tank needs some work - it has come loose: Does anybody have any pointers on how to approach fixing that up? -R
Great stoves, these! I’m betting the black paint will be a pain in the @rse to get rid of, but we’ll worth it. Is it the spot welding that has come apart on the hinge? Tony
Yes, I have quickly become a fan! I’m going to get it sandblasted. Life’s too short. The original paint looks to be turquoise / green. Finding a match might be a challenge. Does the colour help put an age on the stove? Yes, the ‘door’ is completely detached from the main body. The rod that runs along the bottom keeps it in place, but only because it is wider than the door ‘frame’ - it can be lifted straight up and out. I don’t know if simple soldering is enough to fix it back in place, but I know a guy with a mig welder who might be able to help. -R
Yep, you have a nice little two burner there. Nice healthy flames too, plenty loud right? Alway nice to get them running without the wait. You have an early model with the two straight grates. later ones had the flower grate. Had mine a few years and got the cost-per-meal down to where I don't feel I need to wear a tie. Daryl SoCal
Great stove, although I never understood the "re-mortgage the house" prices on these. Is it because they are rare?
When it comes to repainting this, does anybody have suggestions about paints that might be a reasonable match for the original colour and finish? -R
Electrolysis is on my todo list, but I’m not sure I’ll start here. We’ll see how things progress over the spring. Still keen to hear any pointers on paint. I would like to keep it close to the original, but don’t fancy spending a small fortune to do so. -R
One picture I forgot to include - it turns out a small trangia bottle is just right for reshaping the flame spreader: -R
I love my 22. Like this one it was a full refurb & same original colour. I rattle canned it with a very close paint from Hammerite. Many years ago so I don't remember the colour. Great tip re the Trangia bottle fix!
I second the idea of electrolysis for paint removal. Quick, very efficient and gets rid of any rust at the same time. PM if you want some pictures or pointers on my set up for stoves. Really easy to build a set up and get going with electrolysis.
I have the components for electrolysis - the blocker is more… Einsteinen - not enough space and not enough time… When I solve that I will certainly be in touch - thanks! -R
@snwcmpr - did you just list a 22b on ebay or is somebody quoting you without a credit? Optimus 22B vintage camp stove | eBay -R
Genius.. my ones are a bit crumpled and I was wondering on a template to use as a dolly of sorts Thank you
