Is it worth restoring?

[coffeencranks26Participant @coffeencranks26]

 

Hi guys, I was given this by my Father, who in turn had it sit in the attic for decades from his father that made it.

Just wondering if it’s worth finding someone that can restore it to it’s original beauty or if I just put it in he attic and wait a few decades to pass on to my own son.

Are these things rare? would it cost a lot to restore? Would anyone even be interested in restoring it?

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated, I’m not a craftsman by any shape or form and I have 2 children that take up most my time.

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

For some background info:

https://www.hemingwaykits.com/category-90

MichaelG.

[Nigel Graham 2Participant @nigelgraham2]

Not perhaps “rare” in vintage-machinery terms but I’d say definitely worth restoring. The chances are it’s never had that many hours running so assuming high build quality it’s probably in good condition mechanically.

For a start though, you will need clean the fuel system thoroughly, as any petrol still in it will probably have turned to gel years ago. (Ask my sister, who inherited our Dad’s long-unused Commer caravanette!)

Similarly with any lubricating-oil in it.

It’s interesting to see that the kit is still being made – still in the Hemingway catalogue. I hope Reeves keep it on.

 

[MichaelRParticipant @michaelr]

Yes definitely worth restoring you your self could start by giving the engine a good clean, if no one on this forum can help with the more complex restoration try on the following forum you may have to register / join.

https://www.modelenginemaker.com/index.php

MichaelR

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

In cost terms, unless you could find someone to do it for free or very little pocket money it would not be worth what it would cost to pay a realistic price to get it done in monetary terms.

However a sit was y our Dads it is probably worth more in sentimental value.

I’d be tempted to remove it from the workman like base and just clean it up as a stand alone engine and make a simple stand so it can sit on a shelf as I doubt you have much need to run it. Put the original stand and ancillaries in the loft for good keeping. Stripped, cleaned and bead blasted would bring it back to as new look.

 

[noel shelleyParticipant @noelshelley55608]

Commercial repair I doubt it, but it undoubtedly has great sentimental value. At a glance it doesn’t look to bad. You might like to join a local ME club and see what help you can get there. The fact that the model is still available is good. Good luck and best wishes.  Noel.

[JasonB]

This is where enthusiasts and restorers divide into two camps

On JasonB Said:

In cost terms, unless you could find someone to do it for free or very little pocket money it would not be worth what it would cost to pay a realistic price to get it done in monetary terms.

However a sit was y our Dads it is probably worth more in sentimental value.

I’d be tempted to remove it from the workman like base and just clean it up as a stand alone engine and make a simple stand so it can sit on a shelf as I doubt you have much need to run it. Put the original stand and ancillaries in the loft for good keeping. Stripped, cleaned and bead blasted would bring it back to as new look.

I agree with Jason that it would be uneconomic to pay to get it restored, but its sentimental value is something that only you can decide.

Where we differ is at the fault line which separates some restorers from some other restorers.  Jason thinks it would be improved by changing the ‘workmanlike’ base and making the whole thing look shiny and new. I think it would be improved by doing little more than a basic clean and a wipe over with an oily rag, to preserve the patina that comes with age.  Obviously any work needed to return it to working condition, should that be desired, is a separate consideration.

So, is Jason right, or am I? That depends which side of the fault line your opinions lie.

George

[old martParticipant @oldmart]

Well worth restoring as a family treasure, not for investment purposes, unless somebody from New Zealand wants a motor with KIWI on it.

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

As the OP asked about restoring to “original beauty” I based my answer on that. 😉

Light cleaning and keeping closer to as it is now I would class as conserving rather than restoring.

[Nicholas FarrParticipant @nicholasfarr14254]

Hi, I’ll agree with JasonB, and you could put it into a glass/ acrylic case, and even display it at a show or two with a write-up of its history, maybe.

Regards Nick.

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Some more useful notes:

http://modelenginenews.org/etw/kiwi/kiwi_history.html

MichaelG.

[Howard LewisParticipant @howardlewis46836]

If it needs to be said, when the tinne comes to try to start it, (clean points and spatk plug and fresh petrol) wrap a strong cord around the the pulley (With a knot in the that cut ouit) and pull vigorously. Hopefully, after a couple ,of ,energetic pulls it will fire and run up.

Unless you just want to “stuff and mount it” in a case; in which case a genearl clean up should suffice.

Even as sentimental value, as memory of a family member, it would be nice to to be able to say that it was a runner.

Howard

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