Restoring a WW2 Petrol Lighter: The German Version of a "Zippo"

#restoration #lighter #ww2
Hey if you want to support me, you can become my patreon or invite me for a virtual beer via Paypal:
Paypal: paypal.me/NTRBeer
Patreon: / notterriblerestorations
Hello all,
in this video I am restoring a gasoline lighter from the time of the second world war. The german lighter was made until the 40's and shows very clear signs of age. The functionality of the rusty lighter is almost identical to the legendary zippo lighter. My biggest goal is to keep the vinatge lighter as original as possible and replace as few parts as possible.
First i completely disassembled the vintage everyday tool to get a picture of the corrosion. After I had all the parts in front of me I cleaned them in deruster from rust and old coatings. Then all the parts of the rusted WW2 lighter were sanded and then polished with scotch brite.
I then chrome plated the lighter from the second world war. When chrome plating, the layer build-up is crucial and all layers must be polished most carefully, as the preparatory work is crucial when chrome plating.
The layer structure is as follows:
1. An alkaline copper layer as a base and spear for the second layer.
2. After the barrier layer has been applied, copper plating can be carried out with acid electrolyte. Without the underlayer, the acid would quickly eat through thin metal layers. Copper plating must be done because it evens out uneven surfaces very well and provides the best rust protection for the steel.
3. Nickel is now applied as a barrier layer. The nickel prevents the chrome from reacting with the copper.
4. Finally, I apply the final chrome layer with pen electroplating. It provides a dark noble shine. In germany, only chrome III may be used for this purpose by private users. Specialists may also use chrome IV, which provides a brighter shine. Chromium VI is completely banned due to its toxic vapors.
Finally, I still replace the wick and then I reassemble everything again
I hope you have fun with the video. And remember, leave a comment and with a little luck you will win the pocket knife.
In the beer test this time a "Grolsch" from the Netherlands must prove what it has to offer.
Patreon: / notterriblerestorations
Here are the links to the tools and equipment I use:
IMPLOTEX 3000 Compressor:
amzn.to/40Xp5iK
Powder Coating Gun:
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Laser Engraver
amzn.to/3EhzLza
Fein Multimaster MM 700
amzn.to/3Ia7xrg
Bosch Professional Impact Drill GSB 18V-110 C
amzn.to/3I7Ttyh
Sandblasting Cabinet
420 Liter
amzn.to/3S62o89
350 Liter
amzn.to/3IyPj3V
220 Liter
amzn.to/3IzYMYE
Kamera - Sony AX53
amzn.to/3Kif4XB
*Grabby "McGrabface" Grabson*
➡️amzn.to/3Z506sc
Stay healthy
Dr Beer
00:00 - Intro
00:43 - Disassembly
03:56 - Rust removal with rust remover
04:24 - Metalwork tank
05:28 - Metalwork main body
06:53 - Metalwork side flap
07:30 - Metalwork flint holder
08:23 - The tumbler parts
08:58 - Adding a knurling
09:20 - Turning a new rivet
10:04 - Chrome plating
12:35 - Replacing seal and wick
12:56 - Beer tasting
13:54 - Assembly
15:40 - Result
17:12 - Testing
Music:
Intro:
Elegant Logo by Free Music | / fm_freemusic Music promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Result Scene:
Timeless - Lauren Duski from KZbin audio library

[@Primus54]

Wow… Perfectly restored, perfect video recording, perfect editing, and extremely creative production. I really liked how you dumped the old cotton into a medical instrument tray… clever! Thanks for a very entertaining video! 👍👍👍 ~John in Ohio

[@isaacnguyen6944]

Primus was (is?) the name of a beer from Congo (ex belge)!

[@JasperJanssen]

Perfectly restored is off-brand given the channel title.

[@Primus54]

@@JasperJanssen You make an excellent point. Time for a name change! 😉

[@MrCreativeEZ]

I've been doing this kind of stuff for many years now, but this guy is truly fantastic

[@SimeonCogswell]

I love this. Old lighters are so interesting and well designed. I hate that everything now is just a piece of disposable plastic.

[@rtyrsson]

That one got me in the feels. I have a very similar lighter that my grandfather acquired in the 1940s. It is unrestored but has been in consistent use since that time. 80-ish years. It still works very well and lights the first time almost every time. Good quality from a time when craftsmanship was important to people. Thank you for the little journey through memory lane. Excellent choice in beer as well. Grolsch is always a favorite, and much like the lighter the bottle harkens back to better times.

[@marcdewilde518]

Well done! There also is an Austrian version of this trench lighter. The brand name is IMCO and they still make them today. Retail price is less than 20€. I personally think both lighters are by design superior to Zippo. Greetings from Belgium.

[@dermaurer9767]

Imco was bought from chinese people in 2012. Since then they are made in china with worse quality. I bought 2 original austrian made ones and use one every day since over 1 year and i love it. Greetings from germany

[@youbobmaster]

Imco doesnt exist anymore. Only knockoffs, i own originals as well as rip offs and thers a major quality difference

[@TokyoAzzA]

I have a China knockoff and it works, but it seems to constantly run out of fuel no matter how much I dose the reload … interested to now find an original …

[@KarinExMachina]

@@dermaurer9767 Original IMCO lighters are indeed extremely difficult to beat. good seal with the snuffer cap, no parts to lose when replacing flint. a strong spark with the... i assume its dual cut grinding wheel. compare that to the poor quality of fake imcos.

[@harisyoung4110]

@@TokyoAzzA how many day of usage you need to refuel ?

[@markxl]

That looks very much like an Imco which was as Austrian company. Very nice restoration - thanks.

[@bryanscars]

Parts tumbler is slick

[@martyjehovah]

I have to say I LOVE the beer ratings. On KZbin there are a handful of really excellent restorers who all show great care and attention to detail on every project, and you are most definitely on this list. BUT because you had the great idea to do something simple and extra like tasting and rating 1 different beer with each restoration, you unmistakably stand out from your peers. There are maybe a couple dozen other really great restoration channels on your level, but there is only 1 Dr. Beer! I have no doubts that so long as you are willing to keep going you will find ever greater success with your channel and it is well deserved, cheers!

[@killerroach8210]

The detail put into this is an art. beautiful.

[@butthedd0233]

Stunning work.

[@alexdeleon7135]

This restoration was so relaxing to watch. As I see it, a proper restoration of a lighter requires exactly the discipline you possess. I agree that the parts should be kept as intact as possible. The plating was the ultimate demonstration of skill, and patience. After assembly, the lighter looked as if it was made yesterday! I cannot thank you enough for resurrecting these machines from the past. It gives the young people watching a glimpse into the methods, and design engineering from the early 40s. More importantly, it will inspire some to learn a trade that involves using tools, sandpaper, and chemical processes, instead of spending hours playing video games. Grolsch is one of my favorite beers. It is unpasteurized because the Dutch believe that this treatment changes the character of the finished brew. I want to try Grolsch Dark, if I can find a reputable vendor who carries it. Thank you once again for this incredible posting. I look forward to the next. Stay safe during this modern-day pestilence.

[@seanhobin6235]

Beautiful work

[@TheTeddiiStream]

maaan my Grandpa had one of those, and it was his fidged toy and everything, idk i cant think of my granddad and not having this thing in my head, sadly it disapeard after his death, wish i had one of those, as a reminder, such an beautiful thing, i didnt even knew we had something like an Zippo Version all the love, feel hugged!

[@denvid321]

Nicely done! I especially like the copper/chrome contrast. The patina is good as it displays it's history. Very nice!

[@DrHutOfHandcraft]

Perfect job, especially the plating. I know how hard that can be but you really did a beautiful job my friend!

[@NTRprojects]

Thank you very much my friend!

[@misterpatina]

@@NTRprojects I guess you’re friends now

[@NTRprojects]

@@misterpatina at least he's not moving away from me to another town 😭

[@jc5c515]

Agree! Why not a video about the plating process? I'm really interested on it

[@santauxia]

Every man had one of those when I grew up in 70's rural Spain!!!! so many memories...

[@jamesriordan3494]

Terrific process !

[@netrhyda8761]

Quality can always be restored! Well done!

[@andrewyellstrom2585]

The results chapter was just so amazing

[@fragnugget]

Damn there are so many pieces to this lighter...

[@channelsixtysix066]

Beautiful restoration.

[@joelboutier1736]

Beautiful job. The plating turned out very well.

[@claymore440]

Really enjoyed the plating process.

[@misterpatina]

I watched this with Mister P. Junior. We both think you did a pretty sweet job here, beardy man. ❤

[@NTRprojects]

I still haven't met the junior to this day and it's really bugging me by now. I miss out on so many important things 👀

[@zoisbasis7791]

Admirable work!!! Unique outcome!!! Thank you🙏🙏🙏

[@Lon3wolf18]

thank you for the captions!

[@mftmachining]

Erstklassige Arbeit. TOP.

[@Kevin-po4hy]

It is nice to see a True Craftsman at work 👍👍

[@ferd.6779]

Sehr fachmännisch restoriert mit schönes Endresultat, ich hatte damals im mitte 60tiger so eine 'lookalike' Doppelgänger von Marke IMCO war auch sehr gut!

[@daddyfrost42]

Absolutely marvelous, my friend! Thank you and keep it up!

[@mattbannan637]

BEAUTIFUL RESULTS!!!

[@patrix5614]

BRILLIANT !!! Excellent work.

[@gremlin0781]

Wonderful work

[@Pawl1957]

Thank you for this sir.

[@pigsydney]

A great restoration,I always enjoy your work.

[@balikris]

In my youth ... start 60ies - we called this a Ronson Diesel 8-)). Greetings from Denmark

[@pascaljeske7307]

Very Love about this perfect Restauration thx ❤️🌹❤️👍

[@rdfjfgjyfdhfghy67456]

Gorgeous work as always. "I wonder how many pockets it's been in" that's so magical about vintage tools❤ I'm glad it has a new home with you

[@MrCreativeEZ]

I've been doing this kind of stuff for many years now, but this guy is truly fantastic

[@rattateo]

Awesome work

[@vickiefowler1429]

I’ve always liked Grolsch beer. Nice to see it scored so well. Very nice restoration, too!

[@Abornarazine]

Proof you don't need a massive item with hundreds of parts just to bring history back. sometimes it is the small simple things that we really need to bring back from the edge.

[@LaGrandeBayou]

Well that was an appropriate and IDEAL restoration

[@troyboy4345]

My fav so far ... so nice to watch ... now for my Beer ... 👌

[@parnet]

That's amazing. Good work!

[@a-ls6333]

Absolutely loved that! You're a talented man! ✊

[@walmartdog1142]

Of all the beer you have reviewed, this is the first one that I have had myself.

[@davidbrewer7937]

Now there is a blast from the past. My dad is Welsh (uk) where I was born & my mum was Austrian, having come to Wsles just after the war ended for work where they met. My dad had 3 of these lighters & I remember them well... they were excellent.

[@binface9]

Quite incredible how you cleaned up the body of the lighter using just simple sanding techniques

[@nurmaybooba]

As always it came out perfect. I am so glad I found your channel.

[@michaelszabo3071]

Man, beautiful work and outcome. 👏👏👏

[@charliejames1981]

That is an awesome job on the lighter. I like how it turned out.

[@duaneho555]

Loved this video. I collect vintage lighters. Really nicely done. 👍🏻.

[@nickbremner6274]

A nice restoration Dr. Beer. We had many items for sale in this country called 'Ideal' many of which were most definitely not during this period but were sometimes all that was available and I have a lighter that my grandfather owned that is very similar to yours. He fought in WW1 and bore no grudge, he employed an au pair from Austria in the 1930s. My father lived through WW2 and had a German pen pal from the 1960s who I still correspond with. NO TO WAR.

[@theskyehiker]

A really beautiful job on this lighter. The beer looked good as well.

[@rebeccac2867]

I enjoyed this one a lot!

[@AndrewPotts1962]

Such a sweet and satisfying outcome! Kudos on the restoration, I absolutely love it!!!

[@paulsweeney5642]

Top class as always

[@andrewgrace4410]

Impressive metal work 😊

[@maxcambiaso]

I love this kind of lighters, I have a collection of them. Here in Argentina they are known as "Carusita" and most of them are from the Imco brand

[@jamesmoe9188]

Another lovely job on a beautiful piece of history. A simple yet elegant design, refreshed and elevated by your unique touch. Thank you for sharing, my friend.

[@jkurl15]

Awesome job. Love the added beer tasting and comparison you do.

[@NTRprojects]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Starbean89]

The things and places this lighter must have seen is something I love thinking about! So much history in one small object.

[@alfredneumann4692]

In the 70s i had such one. Good work!

[@jsidorable]

Glad to see you are still around Mr. Neumann 😁😁

[@briansdiecastthailandstoth6747]

Fantastic work...

[@minatonamikaze9393]

omg the WW2 petrol lighter is so practical looking compare to lighters now. its a lighter and feels like a torch at the same time and doesn't even look like a smokers lighter they need to keep selling its a good fire source tool.

[@lecobra418]

I liked the four steps of electroplating! This will come in handy too!

[@mikedelta9590]

Great job. Masterpeace of craftmanship. And the IDEAL Lighter looks pretty.

[@JoseMora-wc5zz]

Bro, we’ll done. 👏 Zippos are so cool, I know it ain’t a zippo but it was cool watching this restore.

[@DAVE43072]

Outstanding restoration!

[@NTRprojects]

Many thanks!

[@troynewly]

Waited with bated breath for the lighting at the end, forcing myself not to peek at the conclusion. Glad I watched through your talented skills, beautifying a relic with an inspiring note against war. Grolsch is an old favorite, I've not bought for years. You've encouraged me to view another of your videos AND buy a six pack of Grolsch. Thanks again.

[@DrRestoration]

Nice job my friend! 🔥

[@general5104]

You have more patience in your little finger than I do for tiny work like that. GOOD SHOW

[@davidlewis492]

Fantastic work pal.

[@andypowell7983]

1 of the best restorations I've ever seen. Very nicely done 👍👍👍👍

[@jwrappuhn71]

Excellent.

[@blazko9367]

What a nice job, I loved the process, and that's the first time that I see a complete chroming process ! The result is stunning, love it

[@Nate65Dawg]

You did a great job on this restoration!

[@NTRprojects]

Glad you liked it!

[@MadMathMike]

Loved the pyrotechnics at the end! 🔥😁👍 Great restoration!

[@bobbuilder2844]

Very nice work!

[@MegaRAMBAUD]

Très belle restauration, merci pour les solution 👍👍💤

[@paulorth2251]

This was really unique, I have seen several knock-offs of this style of lighter, but you have a real one. Super cool and great craftsmanship and patience considering the size of the object you are working with. 💪👍😁🇺🇸

[@Bob1923Dobbs]

Beautiful work! I'm in awe of your skills. Very nicely done.

[@williamnewton4759]

Incredible

[@xchaix]

nice doc

[@amazoniancustodian]

3:28 beautiful history of use represented by all that gobbledygook cleaned out. You are noble for noticing it’s legacy, catching it before it flickered out completely.

[@allanisaacs4835]

ABSOLUTELY SMASHING

[@NTRprojects]

Thanks a lot for watching and commenting Allan Isaacs

[@colleenshook6407]

Wow, such nice, well groomed, hands!

[@CoolRestorations]

Really nice restoration, love your style!👨‍🔧 Subscribed!!!

[@oknsrtcn]

you did a good job .lighter was like new.

[@karinchaney101]

Plating takes time but is well worth the effort.

[@meloralovesdarkness2495]

Nice work!

[@balinko1972]

Good job ! Well Done !

[@perry92964]

very cool lighter, its totally over engineered like many german things but it looks like something that feels good in your hand and refilling it makes you look cool in front of your friends

[@francois237]

Impressive. Great.

[@henryhuijbers3158]

I’ve seen these lighters a lot when I was a child.

[@vinceianni4026]

Hello mister beautiful restoration professionally restored well done

[@adamweilergurarye5422]

Bravo! Thank you!

[@NTRprojects]

Thank you too!

[@pfadiva]

That plating job is nice! I always liked Grolsch mostly for their bottles. Great for salad dressing.

[@Mikey__Mike]

Love it wow excellent work

[@judewilliams9345]

Superb job 👌