Mills Hi Top Projects

[pauljt71]

I think it’s a mixture of the timing out and incorrect reel labels. Misalignment and the fingers do not go into the holes correctly. I have put this one aside while I work on another machine now.

Today I learned the importance of the coin tube push lever overflow spring! Couldn’t understand why the machine was constantly jamming before discovering the overflow leave a spring was missing.

I installed a mech into the yellow cabinet machine today. It seems quite an early mech as the timing bar is different from the others. Pics attached.

[coppinpr]

That clock needs lightly oiling. Better still, if you can remove it and totally dismantle it. Could go another 50 years if you treat it well.

[pauljt71]

I have learnt so much about these machines since purchasing them. Thank you to everyone on the forum for all of the help.
Today I have been cleaning and removing one of the clocks. I think I’ve just about cracked it now. Managed to make three good machines from the five broken ones. Need lots of bits though to make up the Boland machine. Anyone know of a good resource to acquire a hightop bonnet?

[coppinpr]

Well done, so pleased you have become a keen slotty... The rest of your family might not be so pleased.

[pauljt71]

So, seeing as I have lots of time on my hands right now........today I stripped and started to repaint the Jewel Hi Top.

I have found some great paint online that matches the red almost perfectly. I wiped the original crinkle paint down with white spirit and then have sprayed a couple of light coats of the new paint straight on top. It seems to be drying well and the original crinkle finish is showing through nicely.

Satin black over the oak on the lower sections with the red to go on tomorrow. I found an original paper label with cabinet number that matches the one stamped into the wood.

[badpenny]

...... I have been cleaning and removing one of the clocks. I think I’ve just about cracked it now ......

What size hammer were you cleaning it with?

BP

[coppinpr]

You must be more careful when posting on threads BP reads, he will pull you up on every little mistake and play on words... It's his only bit of fun these days... We pretend not to notice.

[pauljt71]

It was a left handed Whitworth

The sun was out first thing so got some more paint on

[pauljt71]

All finished and very happy with the results. I may look for a blue and paint these areas too if I can find a match.

[badpenny]

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

[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.