Optimus 22 - restoration & triple fuel conversion

I decided to restore this early model Optimus 22 and then convert it to a triple fuel stove.

As is unfortunately the case (pun intended) with many 22’s, there was a fair amount of corrosion which needed to be dealt with.









Using a 360 degree electrolysis bath (e-bath) was very effective in removing the paint & corrosion from the case. Soda crystals (washing soda) is added to the water to aid the electrical ion exchange between the case (negative) and the steel mesh (positive).

In this picture, the e-bath is being set up for the outside of the case to have its paint and corrosion removed first. The 12v battery is fed by an ‘out of shot’ battery charger.



Paint and corrosion being removed.



With the case now down to bare metal, following a subsequent full degrease to ensure it was completely clean, a zinc-based primer coat was then applied.



‘Nissan Leaf Green’ top coats (3x) were applied with the case then heat cured with aid of a halogen heater. Two protective clear coats were then latterly applied and again cured.



The stove parts were cleaned and refitted and all seals were replaced - obtained from our sponsor, The Fettlebox.

The wind shields were cleaned back to bare metal inside and out and then ‘oil quenched’ to prevent them from rusting again. A large type paraffin blow torch (a ‘Primus 605’ in this case) was used to heat the windshields to a cherry-red condition, prior to ‘quenching’ them in clean engine oil.

The regulator knobs were cleaned and the lettering restored with a fine-nibbed white acrylic pen.

Neodymium magnets (4 x 20mm diameter x 2mm ) were used to securely ‘anchor’ each stainless steel heat deflector (100mm x 100mm x 0.9mm) in place. I utilise this set up on my other 22’s. The generated heat from the burners does not appear to affect this type of magnets’ performance.

NB. It should be noted that not all stainless steel types are magnetic.

Restoration of the 22 having been completed.







The next stage was to undertake the triple fuel conversion by replacing the original roarer burners with a couple of spare Optimus 111T burners I had available, once they had been prepped.

(Both original roarer burners will naturally be kept with the stove).

The graphite packing on both 111T burners was inspected and both confirmed to be in good condition and so did not require replacing.

Both 111T burners were stripped down and cleaned in my ultrasonic cleaner.

One of the burners being cleaned:



To make the required left-handed 111T burner, one of the burners needed to be modified . A Rothenberger torch using MAPP gas was used to facilitate this. The two feed tubes (arrowed in the picture below) were heated and removed from the burner head. They were then turned 180 degrees and silver brazed back on to the burner head (30% silver brazing rod was used).

Original configuration of the 111T burner assembly.



The feed tubes having been removed from the burner head.



Prior to brazing, the feed tubes and burner head areas were thoroughly cleaned and degreased.

Silver brazing completed with the 111T burner cleaned up and now in the required left-hand configuration.



Test firing…



And so, from a standard Optimus 22, a triple fuel ‘Optimus 22T‘ is born .





Tube for safe keeping of the alcohol jets and air restrictors with the stove.



Thanks for having a look through.

Pharael


Footnote:

‘Hat tip’ to Gary Adams who carried out this same conversion to his own Optimus 22 back in 2010.

 

That's exceptional my friend.

 

First-rate work!. The whole thing is made extremely carefully.
I admire your craftsmanship.

 

WOW!

 

Thanks for your kind words guys.

 

Splendid restoration!

 

Many thanks Stanislaw.

 

Very nice work; I'm quite envious.
Si

 

Appreciate that Si, thank you

 

@Pharael Excellent restoration, the paint work and colour match is superb, and brilliant work on the burner well done there

 

Absolutely brilliant work with clear and concise presentation. Well done.

 

@mr optimus
@plumberted

Many thanks both for your kind comments.

 

Hey, nicely done, and a nod to BernieDawg.

 

@presscall - appreciate that, thank you.

 

Great job …

 

Thanks @Oscar1

 

Excellent!

 

@Twoberth Many thanks for that.

 

Excellent job. That's an impressive conversion as well.

 

@gnome Much appreciated, thank you!