[SEL] Linseed oil question./An explanation.

[Jerry Evans]

Hi the lists,
         Following on my recent post I feel that another explanation/thread 
is in order. (Be warned, this may be a bit long winded) :-)

         Pease allow me to explain a few things and do not think me "big 
headed" for this.

         I'm a relative "newbie" to this great hobby (only been here since 
about 2004 or thereabouts) but I do tend to go "all the way" with whatever 
I do.

         One of the first things I did when getting involved was to start 
my webpage: <www.oldengine.org/members/evans> (and, as always, thanks to 
Jim for making this possible).

         Just because I had a webpage did not mean that I was an 
experienced old engine restorer or an "expert" (which I'm NOT) - it just 
meant that I knew how to write a webpage. Because it was, at that time, the 
only webpage for old engine collectors from South Africa a lot of local 
collectors, especially newbies like myself, found it (Google is your 
friend) and read it.

         The first engine that I restored was a very common Wolseley WD9 
and I really "went to town" on this one. I spent many hours grinding and 
"slicking" the cast iron and eventually ended up with an engine that 
probably made old man "Frederick York Wolseley" turn in his grave! It was 
painted a metallic charcoal (some 2K paint that was left over from a 
previous signwriting job) and all fittings (pipes and pipe connectors) were 
made from stainless steel and highly polished. It looked great and still 
regularly goes to shows and is well received but I would never do this to a 
rare or collectible engine like the Wolseley "R" type.

         But (and I again ask that you do not think me "big headed") local 
guys started to see my page and thought the those were the standards that 
they had to work to (or compete with). The result has been some totally 
ridiculously painted engines (a Petter "M" "Appletop" painted Maroon, 
Burgundy, Yellow and Brown for example).

         The finish I put onto my Wolsely "R type" is completely reversible 
(albeit with some "elbow grease") but a sandblasted and slicked engine's 
finish is NOT reversible.

         I finished this Wolseley this way because I'm hoping that some 
South African collectors will follow my example and stop with their 
ridiculous finishes and try to be more original.

         That's it for now I'm off to bed !!

Keep the revs up (or down)
Jerry Evans
Near Johannesburg in Sunny South Africa.
Etched Brass Engine Plates made to order:
<www.oldengine.org/members/evans/plates/index.htm>