trainingwheels
4th August 2009, 11:00 AM
Hi Guys,
I have returned after a long break but I am no further along in the experience department. I have inherited my grandfather's old pigeon carrying box which must be over 70 years old. When he stopped transporting birds he converted it into a poisons chest in his shed which is where I can remember it.
It is pretty flimsy and you might wonder why I want to restore it?. I have no idea other than sentimentality and a desire to bring it back to life and protect it from deteriorating further.
It is basically a rectangular box measuring 843mm long X 300mm wide X 410mm high. It is fitted with two hinges one of which has snapped where the arm meets the hinge barrel.I dont know whether to just replace both with similar modern hinges or to try and have the arm rejoined.With my luck the welder will blow out the metal and I will lose the hinge anyway.
The frame appears to be pine measuring 20mm X 24mm.It has a 4mm thick lining tacked to it.The lining appears to be ply or vaneer? Any opinion?. The vaneer is in pretty good condition considering it has been in the elements for at least 14 years,There are cracks in the base panel so I am reluctant to put anything in it. But I remember it standing on end in his workshop so I will be able to do the same.
I have cleaned the exterior surfaces using a mild cleaner and minimal water which has made a big difference.
I would imagine that the exterior surface will need a treatment to get rid of any fungis prior to painting?. I haven't decided yet exactly what I am going to paint it with or what basic no frills colour it is going to be.It is going to be a garage box so a finish that can be wiped over?
Anyone got any input, ideas, warnings? Will the lining take any particular paint better than another?, Should it be water based or what?
Looking forward to your comments and thoughts on the best way to go about this
Thanks for reading
TW
I have returned after a long break but I am no further along in the experience department. I have inherited my grandfather's old pigeon carrying box which must be over 70 years old. When he stopped transporting birds he converted it into a poisons chest in his shed which is where I can remember it.
It is pretty flimsy and you might wonder why I want to restore it?. I have no idea other than sentimentality and a desire to bring it back to life and protect it from deteriorating further.
It is basically a rectangular box measuring 843mm long X 300mm wide X 410mm high. It is fitted with two hinges one of which has snapped where the arm meets the hinge barrel.I dont know whether to just replace both with similar modern hinges or to try and have the arm rejoined.With my luck the welder will blow out the metal and I will lose the hinge anyway.
The frame appears to be pine measuring 20mm X 24mm.It has a 4mm thick lining tacked to it.The lining appears to be ply or vaneer? Any opinion?. The vaneer is in pretty good condition considering it has been in the elements for at least 14 years,There are cracks in the base panel so I am reluctant to put anything in it. But I remember it standing on end in his workshop so I will be able to do the same.
I have cleaned the exterior surfaces using a mild cleaner and minimal water which has made a big difference.
I would imagine that the exterior surface will need a treatment to get rid of any fungis prior to painting?. I haven't decided yet exactly what I am going to paint it with or what basic no frills colour it is going to be.It is going to be a garage box so a finish that can be wiped over?
Anyone got any input, ideas, warnings? Will the lining take any particular paint better than another?, Should it be water based or what?
Looking forward to your comments and thoughts on the best way to go about this
Thanks for reading
TW