| Author | Content |
digger9083
Dahlonega, GA
June 24, 2009
08:45 AM Post #6731274
| Got this trunk 35 yrs ago in Chandler , Az . Now , after having it in storage all this time , I feel that I have found the help on DG to restore it and give it justice . I want anyone with any experience to jump in with directions and recommendations on the correct procedure to do a number on this found treasure .It still has some of the cloth attached . Don't know if the slats need to come off or not . Sealer to use , correct rust remover , ect .The paper will have to be replaced on the inside also. Best glue ?
I know with all our talent on this forum, I'll have a piece to pass on to my family, with your help. digger
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Bubba_MoCity
Missouri City, TX
June 24, 2009
09:22 AM Post #6731375
| WOW!! That's a beauty. Have you had it appraised? It may be worth more as is.
For the rust - Naval Jelly works very well, but isolating the metal from the wood will be a challenge - maybe Frog tape would work. I would use small artists brushes and some old 4" or 5" squares of old towel or t-shirt material for that. Plan on many sessions - one part at a time.
If you can remove the lock it would be easier to clean, but the old screws or bolts may be completely corroded and not allow that to be done.
The wood strips can be sanded in place. I would use foam sanding pads, and work lightly to prevent taking off more than the dust, rust, and grime. DON'T sand the metal, just the wood. There are contour pads available, or mahe your own to prevent rounding all the edges.
The metal parts can be smoothed with some jewelers rouge and soft cloths. I might be tempted to try a Dremel with a buffing wheel, but work very gently.
Probably the interior paper was attached with either wallpaper paste, hide glue, or a flour glue. I would try a damp sponge to see if it comes lose easily. A "paper tiger" will be a good inventment. it scores the paper and allows water to soften the glue. If you have a steamer, or heat gun, or even a strong hair dryer, it may help remove the paper and adhesive after wetting.
Please keep us all informed of the progress - document with pictures - may help another DG'er. |
digger9083
Dahlonega, GA
June 24, 2009
09:51 AM Post #6731463
| That's a lot of things to use I hadn't even thought of . Looks like there is more to learn . Thanks , Bubba , I'll take notes on it all . digger |
Bubba_MoCity
Missouri City, TX
June 24, 2009
10:41 AM Post #6731664
| Oh, I forgot about the missing leather handles on the ends.
Work carefully, and find a way to remove the handle attachments.
Place a ruler across the handle pieces and take pictures before attempting removal. A local harness maker can fashon replacement pieces to fit. I would show the pictures to them first to get estimates, and they may have done that sort of work before and can recommend the proper procedures to remove the parts. |
mcrochet
Marilyn Glen st. Mar, FL
(Zone 9a)
June 24, 2009
10:52 AM Post #6731705
| Digger,,,I used to receive a catalog,,,will look for the name as it escapes me right now,,,but they had all hardware to restore these old trunks...even the leather handles. I will do my best to find the name and you can visit them online. |
cperdue
Little Rock, AR
(Zone 7b)
June 24, 2009
11:09 AM Post #6731788
| About 35 years ago I got two old trunks just very similar to yours. Flat top and wooden slats. I restored mine at that time. Been so long ago I can't remember the details. But I basically used the same steps as what Bubba.. has explained. The naval jelly works good on metal. I took all the old paper off inside and instead of replacing it with paper I used fabric. I restained the wood and after I got my metal all cleaned up I used a sealer on it. I gave one to my DIL and I kept one. The one I gave away was the nicer one - she still has it. Somewhere along the way I sold the one I kept. Had an antique store for a while and sold it there. |
digger9083
Dahlonega, GA
June 24, 2009
03:58 PM Post #6733147
| You guys are super great to help me with this project . I LOVE DG .digger |
Samigal
(Pegi) Norwalk, CA
(Zone 10b)
June 24, 2009
04:08 PM Post #6733175
| Love that old trunk and interested in seeing your work in progress. Wish I had kept one I had. |
pyromomma
Columbia, SC
(Zone 7b)
June 24, 2009
05:24 PM Post #6733512
| Be sure to take pictures as you go along. Not only to show a before and after, but to archive some possible history.
One thing that digital cameras do really well is pick up faint impressions that the human eye misses. So when you start remiving lares of paper, etc. be sure to photograph as you go along - you might find Maker's marks, notes from a past owner, a treasure map ... Who knows?
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digger9083
Dahlonega, GA
June 24, 2009
10:17 PM Post #6734763
| Hi , sami , glad your watching this and Pyro , you're right , I hope to find a brand or some such . digger |
Samigal
(Pegi) Norwalk, CA
(Zone 10b)
June 24, 2009
10:56 PM Post #6734966
| I have an old milk can stashed away somewhere that I "borrowed" from a creamery in Mn. back in 1972. Haven't done a think with it yet, maybe you think it is about time? |
digger9083
Dahlonega, GA
June 25, 2009
07:21 AM Post #6735825
| Go for it ,Sami .digger |
JuneyBug
Dongducheon CpCasey
South Korea
(Zone 4b)
June 25, 2009
05:05 PM Post #6738263
| I used this place to order parts for my trunk. http://www.brettunsvillage.com/trunks/howto/parts/
You need to google "antique trunk prices" and see how much it would sell for as is. |
Elfs_Garden
( Kris) Smiths, AL
(Zone 8a)
June 25, 2009
09:42 PM Post #6739391
| Digger,, Ralph my DH can make any and all leather parts you need, D-mail me pics and measurements and I will have him make them for you!!
Elf |
digger9083
Dahlonega, GA
June 25, 2009
10:55 PM Post #6739796
| Oh , Kris ,that is so sweet of you to offer , and I might ask you later . Right now I'm getting stuff together to clean it up and start deciding what to do with it . I do want to try to keep all the original metal on it . It's in good shape , I think . I have been studying all the links everyone has given me and had no idea these were so popular with so many people restoring them . It's an education in itself just to read up on all this stuff . I think this was called a steamer trunk , and found several pictures of one just like mine . I found a place that has the canvas like is on this one . I don't know what I'll get into to try to replace it .I know it's going to be a long process to finish it . I've held onto it through three (3) marrages, and a million miles .lol
The next time you head for the beach , if you can stand house dogs , try to stop by. I'm messy , but comfortable . digger |
pyromomma
Columbia, SC
(Zone 7b)
June 26, 2009
01:54 AM Post #6740239
| Juney, I am 90% sure that Brettons Village is the one that my sister got her trunk parts from years ago. A good place! And if you do not see it, you can call them -- they often have things that are not listed in their catalogs.
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Elfs_Garden
( Kris) Smiths, AL
(Zone 8a)
June 28, 2009
06:20 AM Post #6748424
| Digger,, we are headed your way sometime in October and just might stop in to see you. I will let you know as the time for our trip gets closer.
Elf |
Dirt_Road
Janice~ Gulf Coast, MS
(Zone 9a)
June 30, 2009
02:24 PM Post #6759406
| oh Juney... Thanks so much for the trunk link.. I have needed a new handle for my trunk for years.. Their prices are great.. Thanks again.. |
digger9083
Dahlonega, GA
June 30, 2009
07:04 PM Post #6760522
| Elf , goodie . My former ans . got lost in puterland . digger |
bubbasmom24
Atwater, OH
July 04, 2009
12:04 AM Post #6775294
| Digger,I have restored several trunks over the years and it isn't really to hard .Is that canvas /material on it.It is hard to tell by the picture.If so ,get a really sharp razor knife and go real close to the metal and remove it.You may have residue of glue left that will come off with really hot water on a wet rag layed on it to soak for a few minutes.If it doesn't come off ,sand it until smooth.
I usually do the slats next (the wood that the canvas is between).Usually this is varnished and needs stripped and sanded.
Then the metal.I wire brush the rust off.It looks to be in decient shape.I take a small brush after wire brushing it and paint it black.Any of these metal parts that are bad can be replaced .The nails to do this should be bought with the replacement parts.They are brass and you put them through the original hole,hold something hard (I use a brass anvil )tightly against the head of the brass nail from the outside.Then hit the rest of the nail kind of sideway on the inside and bury it into the wood.That is how they origanially did it ,is why some of the hardware is so hard to get off. So if it is decient ,leave it.The straps on the ends are done the same way. I then stain and varinsh (sometimes use the stain /varinsh combination) all the wood and go over the metal with it also to give it protection after painting but it it wire brushed up nice leave it original.
Then the inside.I also use the same wet hot rag on the paper.It should come right off with a little work with a flat wide scraper.You can put white vinagar in the water too.It kind of disolves the glue.After it dries you could stain it also or wallpaper it. And if it smells musty ,which after 35 plus years it must.Sit charcoal or a cup full of fresh coffee grains in it for a few days with the lid shut.I hope this helps you.You will be pleased.I'll post a picture.Most of the befores and afters I have are reg.photos before digital but maybe I can scan them into my computer.Any questions feel free to email me. Brenda |
bubbasmom24
Atwater, OH
July 04, 2009
12:10 AM Post #6775313
| Digger,
Wall paper paste with a squeege for the paper (ends up a little rough though)Or attach prepasted paper to cardboard cut to fit each section on the inside attached with decorative tacks or varnish like I said before.
Brenda |
digger9083
Dahlonega, GA
July 04, 2009
07:37 AM Post #6775919
| Brenda , are you saying leave the canvas off and don't try to replace it ? I don't think I have to replace anything except the leather . Even the little wheels are in decent shape . I started counting nails and would have to order about 250 to make sure I had enough . Yes,Yes . please post pictures . I would love to see all pictures digger |
bubbasmom24
Atwater, OH
July 04, 2009
08:32 PM Post #6778530
| Digger I never replaced the canvas myself.There is usually nice wood underneath it.I guess you could if you wanted but sounds like work to me.lol
Good about the rest.Just wire brush the metal with a soft brissel brush .I paint the metal black or gold but you can leave it natural silver if you want,if it cleans up nice.Strip and sand the strips in between,and your good to go.
Going to go now and try to load before and after pictures I have. |
bubbasmom24
Atwater, OH
July 04, 2009
08:56 PM Post #6778634
| Actually the only nails it looks like you need to me is for the handles on the ends.(around 4-6 )I'll mail you some if you email me. If you take off those slats you'll have a real job on your hands.I looked again and your metal work is black so I'd get the rust off and do it black again.
Brenda |
digger9083
Dahlonega, GA
July 04, 2009
10:34 PM Post #6778931
| Sooooo glad to know I don't have to take off the slats or replace the canvas . I've done enough wood work to know it's hard to get nails back tight in the old holes . Yea , thanks for that info . digger |
bubbasmom24
Atwater, OH
July 04, 2009
10:57 PM Post #6778987
| Ok spent the last hr scanning :
This is before. I paid $10 for it and the person had it in a pile of junk to burn.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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bubbasmom24
Atwater, OH
July 04, 2009
11:00 PM Post #6778996
| This is after: 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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bubbasmom24
Atwater, OH
July 04, 2009
11:02 PM Post #6779002
| This is inside: 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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bubbasmom24
Atwater, OH
July 04, 2009
11:07 PM Post #6779026
| Ok this is before of Trunk #2 .See the canvas is coming off little on this one which shows the wood underneath.Sometimes the wood may be split but you should be able to tell if it is through the canvas or from inside. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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bubbasmom24
Atwater, OH
July 04, 2009
11:12 PM Post #6779043
| This is the after: 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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bubbasmom24
Atwater, OH
July 04, 2009
11:17 PM Post #6779060
| And the inside.It has a tray and I wallpaperd just the bottom of it.You can do it all though.And thats it for now.Wish I knew how to put more than 1 pic per post.Sorry if I got to boring. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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bubbasmom24
Atwater, OH
July 04, 2009
11:18 PM Post #6779062
| Digger I hope this helps and let me know if you want the nails for your handles.Ok? |
bubbasmom24
Atwater, OH
July 04, 2009
11:32 PM Post #6779093
| I think I copied the wrong before but you can still get the jest of it and it shows the wood under the canvas.Sorry |
digger9083
Dahlonega, GA
July 05, 2009
08:18 AM Post #6779681
| Those look so good . Wish this one had a tray , don't think it ever did , there aren't any brackets inside to rest one on . I'll dmail you on the nails .
I know it's a pain to post one pic at the time , but it gives a larger , more detailed look at the picture ,so for me , looking , it's better . This trunk is going to be beautiful , if my work on it is careful . Yours are beautiful . I know it gives you a lot of satisfaction to sit back and look at them .
I can't believe all the help and offers for help on this thread . I've gone back and read them all several times and tried to absorb everything . I don't want to finish it , then go back and think to myself , Oh , I wish I'd done this , or that . digger |
Samigal
(Pegi) Norwalk, CA
(Zone 10b)
July 05, 2009
02:35 PM Post #6780914
| Those trunks are very beautiful. Lots of love and hard work went into them I'm sure. I love seeing the before and after pictures. Thanks for sharing and I'm looking forward to Diggers's work on her trunk. |
bubbasmom24
Atwater, OH
July 05, 2009
02:55 PM Post #6780969
| Thank you.Once you get the canvas off (after changing blades several times )it doesn't take to long. I can do one i a few weeks I have 2 sitting now waiting for some kind of finish.One is a Jenny Linde.Not in the best shape and a small metal humpback.It was super rusty and took a lot of sanding and the slats were black.
My husband gets upset because I have so many needing done,and if I see another cheap I drag it home. Got one a few weeks ago for $7 .It's painted BLACK .Yuck!!! Lots of work there .I should have a fun retirement.Playing in the basement from daylight till dark.lol Life couldn't get much better than this.I'm always restoring or repurposing something. |
digger9083
Dahlonega, GA
July 05, 2009
03:45 PM Post #6781130
| Bubbasmom , that always repurposing is what makes all of us sisters . I couldn't have a nicer family than this bunch on DG . digger |
Elfs_Garden
( Kris) Smiths, AL
(Zone 8a)
July 06, 2009
06:57 AM Post #6783594
| Hey Digger,,
We will be in your area on the 12th or 13th of October!! I will d-mail you with more info before then!!
Elf |
digger9083
Dahlonega, GA
July 06, 2009
09:33 AM Post #6784033
| Elf , great! Just a little notice so I can make sure we aren't tied up . digger |
