Ford "mummified" Oil Can Restore

[3baygarage]

This can here I picked up a few weeks ago at the tractor show and it was not even recognizable.I had to dig into it a little bit to make sure it was a FORD logo I was seeing. Hair all stuck in the gunk too, it was really pretty gross.

Some of its past owners had to include Swamp Thing and a dog.

[URL=http://s102.photobucket.com/user/nno16r/media/DSC08407_zpsisjyu7cx.jpg.html] [/URL]

[URL=http://s102.photobucket.com/user/nno16r/media/DSC08408_zpsuf5443c6.jpg.html] [/URL]


The bottom is quite rough and unfortunately there is a pin hole, which I pointed out to the seller. Not sure I want to do anything for the bottom rust as it's a shelf piece anyway. Maybe coat that with something. Also a dent at the bottom edge.

[URL=http://s102.photobucket.com/user/nno16r/media/DSC08409_zpsxq10msr9.jpg.html] [/URL]

Well here she be after some good old elbow grease. The copper is worn but no not from me. I used some hand cleaner, dish soap , water and a soft brush with just a gentle scrub.

[URL=http://s102.photobucket.com/user/nno16r/media/DSC08411_zpsktusba6r.jpg.html] [/URL]

Surprise surprise she is double sided! I swear to you I would have never known if I hadn't cleaned it up. This is the better side.

[URL=http://s102.photobucket.com/user/nno16r/media/DSC08412_zpsqpa5xuyw.jpg.html] [/URL]

Spout says "MAPLE CITY MFG. CO. MONMOUTH ILL."

[URL=http://s102.photobucket.com/user/nno16r/media/DSC08413_zpspz1hgttf.jpg.html] [/URL]

Shown here with another can on the right that I picked up a few years ago and decided not to touch. Some guys polish these up but that's not for me.

[URL=http://s102.photobucket.com/user/nno16r/media/DSC08410_zpsjoj77czq.jpg.html] [/URL]

[URL=http://s102.photobucket.com/user/nno16r/media/DSC08418_zpsfsymjy6o.jpg.html] [/URL]

 

[3baygarage]

I bet some ATF would have gone farther in degreasing, but it turned out much better than I thought. There is pitting on it too. I guess it has a rough life before being preserved in all that old grease.

I'm not much of a tool polisher but any other suggestions are welcome guys.

 

[jakemac]

Butcher's Wax

 

[CNGsaves]

OP . . . those 2 old Ford oil cans are AWESOME !!

Tell us what you paid at the tractor show. What would you guess their age ??

 

[3baygarage]

For that can I think I gave 2 or maybe 3 bucks. As far as the age I need a lesson from a Ford enthusiast. There are a bunch of variations of their embossed oil cans. I assume most are from the Model T but I'm not sure what the tractors carried.

 

[3baygarage]

Butcher's Wax

Jake thanks buddy I'll have to look into that.

 

[1930artdeco]

Ford stopped putting them on cars in 1928 but as far as tractors go, who knows.

Mike

 

[Vzfnjm]

Very nice can. Good work too. Thanks for sharing!

 

[CNGsaves]

AWESOME authentic Ford oil cans x 2 !!!

Holy ****, only $2 or $3 . . . . that's a screaming YOU **** !!

 

[Bears Fan]

Great find! Good eye on spotting it was a Ford can! I'm with you leave them like they are...very cool...

 

[Bears Fan]

On second thought maybe you should send one of them to me

 

[jabberwoki]

Man that new one looks old. What's the vintage?

 

[BMack37]

I'm glad you left the other one the way it was, that looks great like that...this one though, I think I'd try a little home restoration. They look pretty cool all polished up like new, it would be neat to have one with some nice patina and one looking new.

 

[sha]

nice

 

[3baygarage]

Thanks for the comments,glad you guys like it.

1930artdeco, thanks for the info. About when the Model T production ended I take it.

 

[CudaChick1968]

Very cool! I'd be inclined to clean up the new find too.

 

[2oolhound]

Those are beauties! Nice find and nice job on them.

If you're into it post a couple of shots in the "Show Your Oiler Cans" thread here:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=266430