When you buy an old steam chest, inspect it carefully, checking for severe rust or rot. Logs with only moderate damage can often be repaired because replacement parts such as corner trims, latches, rivets, and leather handles are available through mail-order restoration companies. of logs.
Leather handles, a common problem area on old logs, are easy to replace. Stain new leather grips with a commercial oil-based stain prior to installation.
The metal brackets that hold the leather handles are often secured with nails that have been bent into the trunk. Use a tape measure to locate the tip of the nail on the inside of the trunk liner, then loosen with a punch and hammer. As each nail head sticks out on the outside of the log, grab it with pliers and pull it out.
When enough nails have been removed, slide the old leather grip out of the bracket and replace it with the new one. If possible, use the original nails to secure the new handle. Tap the nails into place with a hammer and bend them inward to bond them to the wood. If the old nails don't hold up, replace them with new nails or screws.
The lid remains - the folding brackets inside the trunk that hold the lid in place when the trunk is open - should be in good shape. To replace a damaged or worn lid bracket, measure the location of the existing bracket and use those measurements to position the new one. Use a drill or punch to make pilot holes slightly smaller than the screws that will be used to attach the new suspension. Install the screws at both ends of the slot, making sure the screws are not long enough to penetrate to the outside of the trunk.
Once the accessories in the trunk have been repaired, the exterior can be painted or, if in reasonably good shape, left with its aged patina finish. If left unpainted, use mineral spirits and a soft cloth to remove dirt and old wax, then dry the trunk with a clean cloth. After the surface has been cleaned, apply a thin coat of paste wax and as it hardens, wipe to a natural shine. The paste and wax coating will improve the appearance of the piece and protect the surface from spills.
