18" Stanley level

[8man]

I found this old Stanley level in my 89 year old dad's effects. I think it is pretty unique and was wondering if anyone has any thoughts on a restoration? I would like to clean it up like new (if possible) and display it with some other tools.
IMG_0855 by Robert Moorman, on Flickr

IMG_0856 by Robert Moorman, on Flickr

Does anyone have one that shows the paint? How do you dissemble and put it back together? Paint color and did it have markings on it?

I can steel wool it on the edges, but those bubble holders have me concerned.

Anyway, thanks for any help.

 

[crguy]

Actually a fairly common level. The finish was black paint and the vial tubes & covers would have been nickel plated.

 

[Farmer J.]

It's a common level, but the one that was used by 8man's late Dad is unique to him!

Go for the restoration 8man, paint it up, hang it on the wall, and enjoy the memories. Oh, and please post it up here, so we can enjoy it too.

 

[RTM]

You may not need to repaint it. I have a vintage one, knocked off the rust, and I just applied 3-1 oil over the existing paint. Used Sandflex fine block on the machined and nickeled surfaces, looks much better, and looks vintage, not brand new.

I'll add a picture here later.

 

[8man]

Thanks Farmer J and RTM.

I'll look up Sandflex and see what I can do with it.

I will see if I can remove the little screws that hold the bubble in place to get them out and clean them up and then I can work on the frame without worry about them. Then I'll see where it goes.