This one was marked "Don't Work" on top and I got it for $5, I think.
When I got her home I plugged her in. Her problem wasn't that she didn't work. She worked too well, truth be told. When plugged in the heater and fan ran continuously. Only way to shut it off was to unplug it. I took the unit apart, cleaned out all the dust bunnies, replaced the crunchy/brittle cloth wiring and cord, and wired in a new switch.
Problem solved :)
Here she is after I cleaned her up and gave her a new coat of paint. I decided to go two-tone, because her design was crying out for that. I don't have much use for a heater, but a fan is always welcome here in Texas. I disconnected the heater array so that just the fan runs when turned on. If I ever decide to use it as a heater all I have to do is jump two wires inside to reconnect the heater coils.
11 comments:
That is beautiful! You are very good at restoring things.
Another one out of the park.
The cream colored trip atop that rich brown is a WINNER. Well done, sir. Well done.
- Brad
Thanks guys...
Whenever I get to feeling too big for my britches with this stuff, I usually get jerked firmly back to earth. When I was ready to put this one back together I did all the reassembly and even took the "after" picture before I realized that I had forgotten to put the big shiny grill back on the front.
Had to take her all apart again to do that, and take another after shot - DOH! :)
What kind of paint do you use for projects like that where they're going to potentially have to survive through 300 degrees for long periods? Can you just use any paint?
Tango - If cured sufficiently, regular rattle can (krylon,rustoleum) can take a good deal of moderate heat.
For truly high heat situations, I've had good luck with BBQ paint - which has very limited color choices. I've also started using high heat engine, manifold, and exhaust paints. You can get them in a fairly wide array of colors from large auto supply stores or online from Eastwood.
Wow. I am jealous of your craftsmanship.
I've found an old Markel heater, that I'm planning on painting it teal and white and chrome, similar to your wonderful piece here. However, I don't really need a fan or a heater...any ideas on what to put in there? I was thinking some sort of speaker or light... Great work, very inspirational!
julker1- Thanks!
nice finish. I just came across the exact model out next to a dumpster by my house, minus that sweet Arvin logo. I'm going to turn it into a portable amp for my guitar.
Question: did you actually remove the center part (ivory color) to paint, or did you just mask it off from the sides?
I'll post some progress shots on my blog soon, for those interested.
breakneck_rust - Thanks. Cool idea using it as an amp housing!
The front, top, and back are one continuous piece and the two sides are riveted to that piece. I would have had to drill out the rivets and replaced them after painting to seperate the pieces. I decided it would be much easier just to shoot the bottom (removed) and sides and then mask off the sides and shoot the front/top/back.
Post a Comment