Recruit Wooden Suitcase Restoration - Rescued From an Abandoned Mansion!

In this video, I restored an abandoned travel suitcase made in Romania.
More about the restoration/transformation process:
I received this old travel suitcase from a follower in Romania. He found it in the attic of an old house; it had been abandoned there for a long time. I can't say precisely how old it is, but I found online that it is made between 40s and 60s.
This wooden suitcase was mandatory in those days for Romanian recruits. It was mandatory to have one because you could keep your belongings in it locked, and there would be no discussion or suspicions about stealing. If something was missing and the suitcase was found broken, it was theft; if found unlocked, it was negligence. (that was the mentality).
There was also a tradition; when the recruit was to come back home after finishing his military stage, he had to give it to younger guys who were to serve in the army. The logo, on the hinges is the trademark of the factory URBIS. I tried to find details about it but couldn't find anything; perhaps it just disappeared like many other brands in Romania after the fall of the iron curtain. The space where I put that water bottle at the end was used to keep your things for personal hygiene, blades for shaving, shaving cream, aftershave, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc.
The restoration process:
It was uneventful but thorough. Many parts were damaged due to water and time, especially the top and metal elements. The whole project took almost two weeks.
I had to replace the top and the bottom and cover them with a new veneer. Then I double-stained the suitcase with cherry tree stain at first and then with darker wood stain to obtain a vintage look.
The handle and hinges were also in very bad shape. All the metallic parts were sandblasted, and then I used a brass spray to protect them from corrosion. The handle stayed for 3 days in 96% alcohol to get rid of the nasty glue spilled on it, and then I polished it using a plastic polishing paste. It turned out like new!
This project became even more challenging because shortly before I started filming, I was contacted by a company that manufactures portable photovoltaic generators/panels. They offered to send me a complete system to do some tests, and I immediately accepted because I had been dreaming of such a system for my workshop for a long time.
I charged the battery 100%, and all the lights and tools I used were powered by the S2000 Solar System from Allpowers.
I didn't get paid for it, but instead asked for a discount for your interested parties and got a -20%.
More details here:
All powers S2000pro power station: reurl.cc/EojARn
Solar panel: reurl.cc/qLVEk3
20% Off coupon code: 2RSR20
I hope you enjoy this restoration project. I enjoyed working on it and am thrilled with how it turned out; it was highly satisfying!
Please ask me if you have any questions about what I used and why! I answer them all!
Cheers! Johnny.
Support my work on:
Become a member of the channel: / @rustyshadesrestoration
or
Patreon: / rustyshadesrestoration
or
Buy my wonderful Merch:
www.rustyshades.com/
#restoration #restorationvideos #howto #suitcase

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

*Hi folks! Here is my latest restoration project! I enjoyed it a lot because the suitcase was super damaged and I love such items; the feeling at the end is much more rewarding! I hope you will enjoy it too! Cheers! Johnny*

[@MichelMorinMontreal]

Hello! It's not a restoration, it's a total refurbishment! And with incredible artistry! Congratulations!

[@user-tf4ii8rr7p]

Во раньше были чемоданы, как маленький шифоньер 😊 А работа классная! 👍👍👍 Мне очень нравятся ваши произведения! Супер!

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you so much! 🙂

[@lameesahmad9166]

I was wondering what this unusual case was used for. I also noted how easily it could be made by any carpenter. Reading the comments and your reply solved the mystery. Very interesting how innovative the military can be in and out of times of conflict. There must be an engineering division in every army. Camouflage clothing and tents as well as canvas covers for jeeps and trucks must have been made by them. These suitcases must have been just another piece of kit produced by the army. At first I was worried about the practicality of carrying a suitcase made of wood. I thought it must be quite heavy but for a trained fit and strong soldier it probably was very little problem. Thanks for sharing this with us. Keep well.

[@Cat_Lover365]

Very nice work Johnny! It was also efficient using the portable power station. I love to watch you take something that is old and lifeless and bring it back to life and give it beauty. Nice ending with the hidden water bottle compartment! 😅 ❤ Keep up the great restoration work!

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

I'm so glad you think so! Thank you for watching my videos! 🙂 All the best! Johnny

[@nurmaybooba]

this is so nice. I am impressed that solar could make enough power to use the tools!

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Absolutely!

[@thisisstupiud]

I love that you used solar power for this restoration.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

I'm glad you like it!

[@johnconnor555]

Oh my God, I owned a suitcase like this !!! That's because I'm romanian and I served in the romanian army 30 years ago... And yes, about all the stories about this case, you're right !!! 👍👌❤❤❤🏆🥇🛠⚙🎥🎞🎬

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Cool! Thank you for watching! 🙂

[@marciagarcezmanzella7132]

Wow a great idea to use solar energy for this project the restoration was beautiful and perfect congratulations!💜💜💜

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

I'm so glad you enjoyed the video! Cheers

[@marciagarcezmanzella7132]

@@rustyshadesrestoration Thanks!😀💜💜

[@mariadelcarmenquintans5943]

Great job!

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you! 🙂

[@MrsIsmena]

What's a satisfying restoration 😮 and with green energy! 💚💚💚

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

I'm glad you think so!

[@jasoncdebussy]

"Green" energy? 🤣 Have you no idea what the environmental impact of solar panels is?

[@samanthadean1083]

Fantastic job!!! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻❤️❤️❤️

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you, Samantha! 😊

[@riikkaheikkinen6268]

Professional,clean, beautiful. Great 👍

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@Austeration]

That battery pack looks pretty slick. Did it keep up on your usage. I laughed when you found the puzzle piece. I find them in the most strangest places. Great project 👍👍

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thanks, buddy! I'm always happy when I find strange things that don't belong to the item that I restore.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you for watching! I'm so sorry to hear that and I wish you all the best! What's your channel name?

[@eprohoda]

Like- fantastic travel~)

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you so much! 🙂

[@x84pav84x]

Этот деревянный ящик явно предназначался для какого-то прибора, поэтому настолько добротно сделан. Например, он мог использоваться для фотоувеличителя, который предназначался для печати фотографий со старых фотоаппаратов. Я помню похожий ящик, в нём даже было отверстие, в которое закручивалась труба, на которой и крепился этот самый фотоувеличитель.

[@johnconnor555]

It's not like that, this suitcase was used by Romanian soldiers who served in the Romanian army in the 60s-90s. I also had one in the navy army between February '94 and August '95...because I'm Romanian.

[@andrehoffmann1056]

Great restoration, finally one of the save the world 👍👍👍👍👍

[@marlenneespinoza6403]

Buen trabajo. Saludos desde Valdivia al sur de Chile 🇨🇱

[@lucyxchan6808]

Nice one, there is a slider missing to close that compartment, usually it has a knob since the wood is too thin to make an indent for grip...

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thanks for the info!

[@vinceianni4026]

Hello mister beautiful restoration beautifully restored well done

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you so much, Vince! ✌️

[@andrzejporeda7281]

Przepiękne jest ta cała walizka rekruta odrestaurowana pozdrawiam twórcę tego filmiku serdecznie 👍👍👍👍👍👍👏👏👏👏

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Dziękuję ❤️

[@andycurran9352]

Beautiful restoration again my friend. I really love the final colour. Until next time. Sending massive love from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you so much, Andy! ✌️

[@andycurran9352]

@@rustyshadesrestoration you are very welcome my friend.

[@garywhen1]

I bet that thing weighs 40 pounds empty

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Hahah, almost!

[@rosellabill]

I see a purple dragon with his mouth open upwards. And palm trees??I will asume you did a great job again

[@desi_the_duck]

Beautiful work. Loved the finish on the case. It reminded me of a rich chocolate ❤

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you so much! 🙂

[@mikaido687]

I used to have an old suitcase! It was huge but beautiful. I wished I still had it tho cuz I would've sent it to you to restore 😭

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Oh, I'll love that! Maybe next time, I'll be open to receiving things to restore.

[@MoYvStarkey]

Looks like an artist paint box. It can carry a small canvas out of the way of the paints, rags and brushes

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

That's a good idea! 👍

[@fasteddy07]

Beautiful stain!

[@derrickcordick1315]

Beautiful job looks amazing

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

I'm glad you like it! 🙂

[@dalmiroubina2162]

Perfect work!

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you so much!

[@Mikey__Mike]

Awesone Awesome Awesome

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

I'm glad you like it! 🙂

[@lolcec81]

Комментарий в поддержку канала и ролика, а также труда мастера

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you so much! 🙂

[@user-vd8gu3uy6t]

Спасибо большое за потрясающую реставрацию😊

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you for watching my videos! 🙂

[@sheilatodd7280]

Ive never seen a completely wooden suitcase. This was a first for me. Hard plastic or partial plastic and leather. But never wood.😮

[@samuelvimaire2296]

In France, you can realize this project only with green energy just using the household electrical current : it's nuclear energy, it's greener than photovoltaics pannels. :D

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

France is lucky to have that. I live in one of the most polluted areas of Poland because of the coal mining/burning to produce energy, so for me, it is pretty helpful and green 🙂

[@MASI_forging]

Very satisfying restoration 👍👍

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@candelasresanocrespo7032]

Parece ser que el uso de maletas muy similares era habitual en los ejercitos de distintos países. Mi padre llevó una en su servicio militar (años 40 del pasado siglo). Aún la conservo. También la del padre de mi cuñado, me la regaló hace años. Ah! Y ésto es España. Un saludo desde Aragón!!

[@andrewgrace4410]

Amazing restoration 😊

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you! 🙂

[@adieursus6309]

This is not a travelling suitcase, it was used by guys who served in the army. It was mandatory to have one because you could keep your belongings in it locked and in that way would not be any discussion or suspicions about stealing. If something was missing and the suitcase would be found brocken it was theft, if found unlocked it was negligence. I had one while I served and the tradition was to come back home with it and give it to younger guys who were to go to serve in the army. 😉😊 The factory with that logo, on the hinges, was called URBIS and the handle used to have a cover over the screws , it is taken from a more elegant suitcase, usually used for papers called >Diplomat< 😄 The space where you put that thermos at the end was used to keep your things for personal hygiena, blades for shaving, shaving cream, aftershave, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc. And of course, the inside of the cap was covered with sexy pics 😆😁 If you would not have younger brothers or friens or neighbours to give them the suitcase, it would end up usually under the bed. because that was the place you were used to keep it while you served, and gather useless things in it. Anyway, nice job, I really enjoied watching, lots of memories came back to me

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Oh, that's a lovely piece of information 👌 I wasn't sure if this was a military suitcase or just a regular one for that time. I'll update my description and title. I'm glad that I could bring back to you those beautiful memories. Have a good one! Cheers and thank you so much! 🙂

[@johnconnor555]

Atâtea informații detaliate și precise nu aveau cum să vină decât de la un român care a făcut armata !!! 👍👌❤❤❤🏆🥇⚔

[@adamgabriel730]

Those suitcases were terrible heavy, and usually were painted in a kind of gray-ish green... the bigger, the heavier.

[@x84pav84x]

Эта электростанция незаменимый помощник туриста, рыбака, охотника и всякого человека, который так или иначе любит отдыхать, на природе. И дело не только в том, что она даёт необходимое электричество практически из воздуха, а и в том, что может серьёзно спасти кому то жизнь, например, с её помощью можно вызвать службу спасения.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Absolutely, or for a beekeeper that goes into the nature.

[@horatiohornblower868]

Nice work, R/S, but was the thing really worth it? The time it took to restore you could easily have made a new one, using some noble wood.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

It is for a friend, and as long he is happy, I'm happy too. 🙂

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

On the top of that, I love every item that I work on it and I always learn new stuff.

[@borisboris7070]

perfectly . thanks !

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@TziMmys79]

Congrats for your work, but w40 on a screw, screwed in wood, was hilarious. 😂

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

I use it even in my soup 😅😅😅

[@heikekellner6623]

Mein Schwiegervater hatte auch so einen Koffer und hatte ihn bekommen ,wo er im 2 Weltkrieg eingerufen wurde ,für seine Kleidung. Es war früher üblich solche Koffers beim Tischler zubestellen ,weil diese billiger waren als Lederkoffer.

[@abertoatocha8145]

Exelente trabajo ,Saludos desde Perú🇵🇪

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Gracias! 🙂

[@aleksandersaski5387]

No ładnie. A jak długo zajęło ładowanie tego akumulatora tymi panelami?

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Około 6 godzin w pełnym słońcu 🙂

[@jennylawson1980]

So unique and unusual ❤😊❤

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

That's right ✅️

[@pamelareed3079]

Love your videos. What do you use to apply shellac? I also noticed that when you apply stain, you go in a circular motion instead of with the grain. Does this have a purpose or just your personal style?

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you! I made it from cotton wrapped into an old cotton t-shirt. The stain can be applied linear too, but I prefer to do it circularly because I observed that it is absorbed better into the wood.

[@x84pav84x]

И дам ещё добрый совет. Я надеюсь, что у вас есть там хорошая вытяжка, то есть вентиляция. Если нет, то сделайте. Я знаю, что к некоторым деревообрабатывающим инструментам есть патрубок, к которому крепится мешок, для сбора пыли. Если есть возможность, используйте это, потому что древесная пыль весьма опасна, для организма.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

I have very good ventilation. Thank you for your advice! 🙂

[@28Cryptic743]

you have been doing such a great job on your restorations (I've been power watching your videos over the last few days - I found one of your videos on your restoration of the gaming table so I thought I would watch the rest. I'm currently only up to the part that you are starting to sand blast parts and thought I would pause and comment. did you run your compressor on the power pack too? I also am hoping that you will be super sealing that MDF because if it gets wet it won't be very strong

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you for watching my videos 🙂 The compressor was full, so I didn't have to use the battery pack. This suitcase will be used as a decorative piece and will be displayed in a bar indoors, so that's why I used MDF. Otherwise, I will use plywood. Cheers!

[@oneshotme]

Looks nice but you did an amazing job restoring it!! I think it would have looked 100% better if you would have put veneer on the sides to match But it's not mine LOL I enjoyed your video and I gave it a Thumbs Up

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you so much. It is not mine, neither 😁 Have a great week! 👍

[@oneshotme]

@@rustyshadesrestoration You're welcome!! LOL

[@x84pav84x]

14:21 нужно было замешать на клею древесные опилки и заполнить отверстия, так как они уже разбитые. Потом просверлить, тонким сверлом и закручивать спокойно шурупы. А так, к сожалению, будет болтаться.

[@seanmurphy9439]

Love the videos. Can you explain why you had to remove the top and bottom, and not simply remove and replace the veneer? Edit: Timestamp around 2:10 for the curious

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

I initially wanted to remove only the veneer, but what I found it wasn't great. The panels were cracked and full of rusty nails, so I decided to remove them completely.

[@seanmurphy9439]

That makes total sense. Rewatching it, yeah the crack halfway down the side is pretty obvious. The nails being rusty almost seems like an expected result after being buried beneath animal hide glue and veneer for 60 years. What did you use as the underlayment for the new veneer?

[@juang854]

muy bien

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

🙂

[@juang854]

me gusta como trabajar

[@juang854]

vivo en España

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Gracias, Juan! Saludos!

[@SimonaDancila-rv6uh]

What about a same age uniform restored and nicely put inside?

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

It will be great! But from where to get one?

[@SimonaDancila-rv6uh]

@@rustyshadesrestoration I have no idea, it just came to my mind.

[@RayReptile]

Are you familiar with the Ship of Theseus?

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

😅 of course I am!

[@x84pav84x]

12:43 чуть дальше если присмотреться внимательно, видно, что шпон, к сожалению, отошёл и "гуляет".

[@nunya3352]

Should veneered the sides too. Stained pine is so ugly.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

It is what it is. There wasn't veneer on the sides, so I don't see why I should Intervine so much.

[@CosmicGorilla]

Hardboard is absolutely the wrong material for this item. You’ll see 😂

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

I still think that it is perfect as long as it will serve as a decoration. No one is going to travel with this huge luggage 😅

[@CosmicGorilla]

@@rustyshadesrestoration mate you did a brilliant job, just don’t let it get wet. Love your work by the way.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you so much! I won't let it get wet!

[@JoseContreras-ph6nz]

🙏🤗👍🇻🇪

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you for being here Jose! Cheers

[@davidh4514]

Wny?

[@MegaDivertisment]

asta e o valiza de lemn cu care plecai in armata...balamalele si manerul sunt romanesti...

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Recunosti firma?

[@johnconnor555]

😂😂Doar un român care a făcut armată știe ce e cu valiza asta !!!👍👌❤❤🏆🥇

[@rogerpatrongonzalez5800]

👍👏👍👏👍👏👍👏👍👏👍👏👍👏🥃🥃🥃

[@deniseboldea1624]

Well done, and with Solar Power no less. So much for the nay sayers and thier arguments about Solar Energy being unreliable.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you, Denise! I guess that's some sort of propaganda from their competitors, and some people consider it valid.

[@neilhaas]

💼💼💼💼🧳🧳🧳🧳❤😊🎉🤩

[@ElTelBaby]

@ 5;21 ROFL What a waste of 96% proof VODKA

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

😂😂😂

[@ElTelBaby]

@@rustyshadesrestoration ... Up until I watched your video;... which R just GR8... I'd never heard of Spirytus & was amazed from the search results... U can even get it at 192%... That would sure knock my block off... ROFL I would dam sleep well...

[@tonybrandt8850]

10-12 layers, as George Bush famously said after his party's midterm election defeat, that's quite a shellacking.

[@taunteratwill1787]

Even in those days this was a very cheap and shitty suitcase. 😂

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

That's a suitcase that could be affordable for most of the population, made simple and without any kind of quality standards, but people could carry their stuff, so it was helpful. Better this than nothing.

[@jessicaann9027]

Was there reasoning in your choice to change the direction of the veneer on the top from side to side to front to back? Or swap sides on the compartment? I love your restoration. Just love hearing the thoughts behind the work. 🫶🏼

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Hi Jessica! Yes, there was a reason. The piece of veneer that I used was a leftover from another project and was cut in such a way that I couldn't get two matching pieces in the same direction. I always intend to use everything I have before making another order, especially since my friend that sent me this piece was ok with that. As well, he is a right-hand person, and at his request, I filmed the sides of the bottle compartment. Anyway, he intends to use it as a decorative item, but with a bottle inside 😅 I hope I have answered your questions, and I appreciate that you asked. Best, Johnny!

[@jessicaann9027]

@@rustyshadesrestoration Thank you! As long as the friend and yourself both enjoy the outcome that’s what matters. It looks great!

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

I'm glad you think so! Once again, thank you for watching my videos 🙂

[@user-dy1vz7zg5c]

😢тобі тільки кормушки робить кролям.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

😆😆😆