Scored a Limey mbh 18.5; needs tlc

[charred]

My first Limey. 

One socket and one vent have detached via rust but aren't quite rotted through yet. I did read that socket repair thread. What is the advantage to tapping vs. a simple bolt-through? Also, I have no welding knowledge- does it seem like welding is an option here?

All pics were taken indoors. Quite the different look in artificial (last night) vs. natural (this morning) light.

[Craig]

@charred  Congratulations and welcome to the Key Lime Kettle Club! Yes that socket and daisies can easily be repaired. I've had great luck with drilling and riveting the sockets into place. Others have used SS bolts and screws. At any rate, its more than serviceable. Not many chips either.  Looks like a '75!

[MrHoss]

That is beautiful....damn beautiful.

[1buckie]

Man, that one's in great shape....good pickup, man......perhaps the cleanest break  on leg sockets ever.....

Welding would most likely not be good, as you'd need a clear, clean area of steel to work with......grinding it off & clearing the rust would cause more porcelain loss than would be for just drilling & riveting or bolting.....

Real nice kettle, not too many other chips at all......drooling a bit here !!!!

[Craig]

Man, that one's in great shape....good pickup, man......perhaps the cleanest break  on leg sockets ever.....

Welding would most likely not be good, as you'd need a clear, clean area of steel to work with......grinding it off & clearing the rust would cause more porcelain loss than would be for just drilling & riveting or bolting.....

Real nice kettle, not too many other chips at all......drooling a bit here !!!!

What @1buckie says. Definitely don't weld for those reasons. And yes that is one of the cleanest socket breaks ive seen.

[charred]

Thanks guys...glad to hear welding isn't worthwhile cuz drilling and bolts I can do!

@buckie- I hear ya re: the clean breaks. The socket came loose as I carefully placed the kettle in the trunk. I (again carefully) tried the vents. One moved freely, the next moved after a (careful) firm assist, and the 3rd twisted off in my hand.

I couldn't believe how clean they each came off.

[1buckie]

Thanks guys...glad to hear welding isn't worthwhile cuz drilling and bolts I can do!

@buckie- I hear ya re: the clean breaks. The socket came loose as I carefully placed the kettle in the trunk. I (again carefully) tried the vents. One moved freely, the next moved after a (careful) firm assist, and the 3rd twisted off in my hand.

I couldn't believe how clean they each came off.

Perhaps it was stored underwater?

[jkolantern]

That was a LONG drive for you man. It would have been a haul for me and I'm at least an hour closer.

[Uncle JJ]

score!  screw those things back on and get her cookin'!

[charred]

Well then you should have agented and saved me some time! 

[SixZeroFour]

Whatever the drive, it was worth it! Sweet pickup charred, that's going to come together really nicely!

[charred]

Another ques- should a rust converter be applied? 

[JDD]

Way cool and in great shape! Can't wait to see her cooking.

[SixZeroFour]

Personally I would not... It could dissolve away some of the weakened material at the leg socket and possibly cause holes.

If you wanted to get real serious with it I think a welding shop could probably do a lot with what you have with little to no damage to the porcelain.

Very cool!

[GregS]

congrats @charred !!!   

hell of a score.