To restore, or not to restore?

[Jeff]

I have another collectible here that I am trying to decide whether to try and do some restoration to or not.  It is a Forest Service First Aid Kit. The outside of the box is in rather rough condition, but the inside and contents are really pretty cool. I was wondering what the consensus might be to trying to refinish the outside of the box? It's not like it is some rare antique with a ton of value, in fact I would think the value is rather low other than to someone like me who treasures it for what is behind it. There is enough left of the original paint and labeling, that I should be able to do a pretty faithful restoration. If I did something, it would be only to the outside of the box.



  

  

  

 

[Warbird]

Leave it alone.  That's what they always say on the Antique Roadshow, anyway. 

[Compensation]

That's a hard one. I would base it on the rust. If it only has a few dimples because of it, I might leave it. But if it needs a coat of body filler then why not. At least the inside gives you a great opportunity to color match.

[Dodgy Loner]

There is enough left of the original paint and labeling, that I should be able to do a pretty faithful restoration. If I did something, it would be only to the outside of the box.

This is the key. If you can do a good job (and I know you can), then go for it. You won't regret it. As you said, it's not valuable except to someone like you. So do what you want with it. I think it's great now, but it would look even better restored.

[Magicman]

Since it's value is in your eyes, and a proper restoration would make you proud, then I would do the makeover. 

[loggah]

Jeff, i would leave it alone ,it has character(SP) as it is. Did you ever work for the forest service?  ;D I did one summer in the late 60,s during summer vacation, there i learned ,the right way,the wrong way, and the FS way !!!!! ;D ;D Don

[Brad_bb]

The amount of rust is what I don't like.  If it were me, I'd consider blasting the outside in a glass bead blast cabinet(I have one).  Bodywork to fill the rust pits.  Repaint as per original with markings....then....figure out how to distress the paint and markings on the outside to look like it's got some wear and tear, just no rust.

[red oaks lumber]

leave it be, aging along like life

[Left Coast Chris]

The minus about leaving it alone is it's condition is bad enough that a passer by cannot tell what it is.   It would be a better conversation piece if the outside where restored. 

[Al_Smith]

That kit has probabley earned every battle scar it has .They all tell a secret if you stop and think about it .

[thecfarm]

If you are not going to sell it,restore it!!!!

[Tree Feller]

If you are not going to sell it,restore it!!!!

What he said. 

[Seaman]

I want to know what was used for insect repellant in the bottle?
Frank

[Todd]

Is there a way to preserve it as is..i.e.  keep the rust but stop it from rusting further?

[Jeff]

I'm leaning towards leaving it. Mostly because the way I'm thinking on displaying it would be with the box open, sort of like in the last of the first posted photos, so you don't see the outside anyhow.

Here is a photo of the insect repellant. I'm not sure if this might be a later addition to the kit, but really have no way of knowing for sure.



 

The one inch square bottles contain: Oil of Cloves, Sprit of Ammonia, Boric Acid, Cascara Pills, Tincture of Merthiolate and one where I can't make out the label. There is a round tin of Antiseptic First-Aid Dressing and Surgical Powder (made by Sharp & Dohme)

[WmFritz]

My thoughts are if it were mine, I'd restore it. I looked up Ricks Restoration in Las Vegas. He does coke machines and such on The Discovery Channel. After seeing some sample prices of work he does, I think I'd leave it.  :-\

http://www.ricksrestorations.com/restoration-fees.php

[RynSmith]

Man-o-man you've got some stuff there!  75% DEET!    Cascara pills!     Be sure not to spill the merthiolate...

[Tim Lea]

I don't know what I would do.. But man that is cool !!!

[Ron Scott]

I remember those old first aid kits well. Carried one in my FS vehicle.They also had rolled up wire splints in them. There was also another version about 1/2 the size or so to the one that you have. They were heavy duty metal boxes.

[Al_Smith]

My thoughts are if it were mine, I'd restore it. I looked up Ricks Restoration in Las Vegas. He does coke machines and such on The Discovery Channel. After seeing some sample prices of work he does, I think I'd leave it.  :-\

Typical reality type programing .Nice looking work ,fit for a kings or a kings ransome depending on how you look at it .Evidently some people have more dollars than they have sense .Old Rick must figure his labor rates at about 500 an hour or it's all for show on the program .Probabley pays the help about 9 bucks an hour .

[js2743]

I would restore it to the original specs inside and out. have the handle and the latch re chromed and a nice smooth paint job and it would look awesome sitting any wheres. 

[tractormanNwv]

Jeff,

I have learned dealing with these tractors and engines that you can paint them as many times as you want,......but they can only be "original" one time. Although hardly any paint remains, this engine is worth more the way it is, than it would be painted, but only to some, restore / don't restore, it's a double edged sword.

Jim