Mills Hi Top Projects

[pauljt71]

That's looking really good Paul, compared especially to when I saw it a few weeks back.
Why do you need to match the blue up? Just find one you like.

BP

Thanks my friend
I want to try and keep it looking as original as possible without it looking like a brand new machine. I am pleased with the way the paint allows the original crinkle finish to show though. It has taken almost 2 days to dry though!

[badpenny]

If retaining that surface is your goal and you haven't access to a decent paint stripper (don't buy brands like Nitromors since EU made them change the ingredients). Try searching YouTube for home made paint strippers. You'll find some involving brake fluid and Maynards Wine Gums or some such. You don't have to remove it all just enough so you can retain the surface after you've added your new coat.

Don't forget during their 60-80+ year life they will have been regularly repainted, if only to try to make them look modern.

BP

[pauljt71]

The finishing touch to my Hi top case arrived today from the US. It’s a reproduction water applied decal to replace the original.

[deano67]

Hi,
just renovated 2 Mill's Hi Tops during lockdown and like you I wanted to keep the crackle finish. I found thinned down Hammerite dabbed on with a short bristled brush gave a great finish. Trick is do it quick and don't brush the paint on. Two coats worked best I found.
Pics attached.

[pauljt71]

Hi,
just renovated 2 Mill's Hi Tops during lockdown and like you I wanted to keep the crackle finish. I found thinned down Hammerite dabbed on with a short bristled brush gave a great finish. Trick is do it quick and don't brush the paint on. Two coats worked best I found.
Pics attached.

These look great

[pauljt71]

Done some more stripping down and refinishing. Waiting for the blue paint to arrive now!

[grains]

Looking really good .
Did you use the Hammerite and thinners for the Black?

[pauljt71]

I have found a great range of paint called Rust-oleum Painter’s touch. I did the Jewel burgundy with this and also the black. I have just ordered blue to finish this.

[pauljt71]

Before and after........

Hi top all finished and very happy with the results. Thanks to everyone I have chatted to along the way......next project the Boland Black Beauty......

[grains]

A great effort and I really like the two tone blue black finish. It's nice to see the end result.

[pauljt71]

A great effort and I really like the two tone blue black finish. It's nice to see the end result.

Thanks for your help

[special when lit]

Looks good. Why did you change the dagger handle?

[treefrog]

If I recall the dagger handle was a Bolands handle and probably meant to be on the Bolands machine he had....

[special when lit]

Ah, just re-read the start of the thread.

[treefrog]

Oddly they are not the same, although similar in shape. As with all Bolands stuff, they are a poor casting by comparison, and the shaft is fractionally longer, which means the hubs also are a slightly different shape and stick out further. It means the handle protrudes more, I guess to help get past the non-flush castings.

[special when lit]

Yes, I found that out when I bought a new boss for my Bolands, and it wouldn't fit.

[josse41]

Rachat de crédit plus trésorerie

So the collection of “bits” has all arrived. I hope to build 3 machines from the various parts. The black beauty seems to be a front on a wooden case. I am missing a back bonnet for one of the Mills Hi Tops. Does anyone out there have one or know where I can obtain a repro please? Lots of work ahead.....

Hello, I think I can help you, if it's still relevant of course