Restoring rusty dented USSR firefighter's helmet - VINTAGE RESTORATION

I bought this old rusty soviet/USSR firefighter’s helmet for $15. So it’s perfect item for restoration. The helmet had some dents the leather liners was dried up and the metal parts were rusty one of the rivets attaching it to the helmet was also gone, so it was nice practice for all sorts of skill needed in restoring antique and old items. I also noticed it wasn’t very well made the weldings keeping the thin on top attached were poor and it was far from symmetrical. I’m not sure if that is usual for helmets of this age.
I started by removing the liner and sanding all the rust off. That took me a long while… Some areas of it had chrome on it and some didn’t and it had some bad pitting so just polishing wouldn’t have been possible or I would have had to take too much off from the thin metal. I hammered the dents as well as I could but the top piece was welded on so I would have needed a pulling device frot that. I tried all sorts of other tricks to make it pop up. I got access to welder so I tried to weld it (for the first time since junior high. That turned out ok but not something I wanted to show before griding it to final shape. I used some chemical metal to fill the worst pitting and to make the area around the welding seamless.
I then painted the helmet with chrome and the emblem on the front with gold paint, although it was originally army green (maybe this was some sort of military firefireghter’s helmet?). First coat is filling primer, second is black which makes the mirror paints better and third coat is a mirror chrome. On the emblem I left out the filling primer as that would have removed a lot of detail from the emblem. I had to attach the liner between painting the inside and outside with chrome because I wanted to get the paint on the rivets for most uniform look.
I used a lanolin wool care product to restore the leather on the liner. This was also necessary to remove the leather without breaking it since it was so badly dried. I remade the leather straps which were both badly damaged and I measured them to correct length for my use. Because I’m going to use this all the time…
I also made the rivets myself from aluminum because no store near me had that sort of rivers and I would have needed to order them which would have set my schedule back and left me with 97 extra rivets in the already too small shed.
Over all the project was very successful. There are minor dents still to be seen on the helmet because I didn’t cover it completely with bondo and hammering the dents only takes you so far because the metal gets stretched.
Thanks again for watching. Please like, comment, share and subscribe as that helps me make more content. All feedback is also appreciated. I read ALL comments although I don’t have the time to answer all of you. Occasionally I answer even comments in my old videos so it’s always worth a try if you have a question to me.
Music:
1. Regret - Whitesand: • 'Regret' - Sad Dramati...
2. Soviet anthem with "old radio effect" I made
SOME OF MY TOOLS:
POWER FILE: amzn.to/2URHvPq
CHUCK NORRIS’ TOOTHBRUSH: amzn.to/2YfXUj2
CORDLESS DRILL: amzn.to/2Wois77
MY FILMING GEAR:
MAIN CAMERA: amzn.to/2JvtKox
MAIN TRIPOD: amzn.to/2OlpYgn
MICROPHONE: amzn.to/2OlpYgn
VIDEO LIGHTS: amzn.to/2FpJDaB
MAIN LENS: amzn.to/2Fm8yMk
CINEMATIC LENS: amzn.to/2TmNdHH
WIDE ANGLE LENS: amzn.to/2U7iJha
GOPRO: amzn.to/2U3eqU3
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[@Ladykittycookie]

When I see people restoring old things I don't know why I think about how happy the previous owners would get if they were able to see this.

[@gleggett3817]

There's a BBC programme for you "The Repair Shop" where experts restore objects of sentimental value (eg an item that belonged to someone's grandparent) - the owners are usually quite emotional when they see it restored.

[@maximilienrobespierre7927]

>the fact that he managed to remove the rust with nothing but sandpaper

[@riograndedosulball248]

Superficial rust... Had seen objects with much less time forgotten that needed at least diesel or acid to make the rust go away

[@omegast4r938]

Y'all are talking about a soviet helmet

[@jacobroman3168]

I know crazy ...

[@optimalerleon2670]

FEGELEIN FEGELEIN FEGELEIN

[@JulesBox]

Never underestimate sandpaper.

[@Gone29480]

Poor guy, he doesn't have a head to try the helmet on.

[@evan5649]

Christ almighty, this should be the most liked comment

[@bloodywall81]

what is that smell

[@yarik6543]

Lol lolololol 😂 good joke tho

[@jacobroman3168]

HAHAHAHAHAHA

[@TheCreatorGOD777]

G

[@barbarapease9399]

I love before and after items. I am 73 yo. And this sort of thing really interests me. I don't know why. I suppose it's divertive. Thank you for your work.

[@charlesprice925]

The interest is in figuring things out, the sign of engenuity. You must have spent a long time doing that, and had many reasons for doing so. You're not 73. You're more like 37. An interested mind lives longer, and goes on too other lives to find more interesting things to do.

[@samtays]

this comment was so pure and sweet BARBARA WE LOVE YOUUU

[@user-no9yd5cy3d]

The fact that you are 73 and know how to use the Internet and KZbin by yourself amazes me!!!We love you Barbara(20 years old here)

[@marigolds49]

@@charlesprice925 --well said!

[@rdgcmg]

I am 72 year old woman from South Florida. I also enjoy restoration videos. I find his work exceptionally good.

[@graysonsmith9177]

Thank you for restoring our helmet, comrade

[@dr.haroldweinstein5157]

Piss off, commie

[@aidensbizarreadventures3910]

@@dr.haroldweinstein5157 fuck off, capitalist pig

[@apollomcdonald]

@@dr.haroldweinstein5157 It's been a year capitalist pig.

[@dr.haroldweinstein5157]

Secrecy Productions 1 year or one decade, I’ll always salute to my American flag! Piss off commies

[@plasticreplica]

@@dr.haroldweinstein5157 your American flag doesn't deserve saluting... Nothing to be proud of angry sir..

[@Klopizza]

The specific helmet is a Civil Defense Fire Department helmet of 1954 - 1980s era, which was commonly used by both fire fighters and civil defense units. They are common, yet sturdy and can still be used as a working helmt.

[@Liza-ke3yq]

а разве не с 61 по 71?

[@Klopizza]

@@Liza-ke3yq нет, такие делались с 54ого и до посинения

[@Xabo5x]

Shießs öüf Ära für

[@sawinski4229]

My men lost this in 1954. Edit: Came back to this 1 year later and 778 likes... thanks guys!

[@henryferlymuchicahermoza2150]

ste stalin x'D

[@user-yn9ko1jf2l]

You were already dead at this moment. But you are still alive in our minds

[@flightworks6874]

Joseph Stalin but you died in 1953

[@sawinski4229]

flightworks My commanders contacted me with a ouiji board.

[@admind.l.a995]

*our

[@ded_Bidon237]

"Кошкин дом" по чему то сразу вспоминается))))))

[@user-dp1bd7gv9s]

Точно))

[@Mitrofun1980]

А я все думаю что же у меня в голове никак не сойдется, точно, кошкин дом! Спасибо брат!

[@chernoknizhnik]

А бегемот пожарный из Ну погоди? У него как раз такая каска была.

[@maitai1133]

Firefighter here; great job on the restoration. That "thing" on top of the helmet is called a helmet crest. I happen to have some leather work experience as well. Always remember you can simply soak old leather in water - especially in this case - I'm quite sure that leather was soaked in water and sweat many times over. You did a great job with this!

[@Mamon322]

Hello from Russia! Thanks for video)

[@thenonoman]

Knowing what I do about Soviet quality control in manufacturing, I was amused to see you using body filler. Irregularities were a feature, not a bug.

[@kerimmikayilov]

Привет из СССР! Этому шлему пожарника предшествовали армейские каски, которые носили в частях сухопутных войск. И пожарники защищали головы этими шлемами. Но в 1955 году были спроектированы новые шлемы другой формы с усилительным "гребешком". Изготовлением этих новых шлемов занималась ИТК (исправительная-трудовая колония) под городом Можайск. И выпускались исключительно в двух цветах : зеленые-для рядовых, и ... черного - для командного состава. Никакого хрома! С появлением новых требований к пожаротушению эти каски ушли в историю... Greetings from the USSR! This firefighter's helmet was preceded by army helmets worn by ground forces. And firefighters protected their heads with these helmets. But in 1955, new helmets of a different shape with a reinforcing "comb" were designed. The production of these new helmets was carried out by the ITK (correctional labor colony) near the city of Mozhaisk. And they were produced exclusively in two colors: green for privates, and ... black for the command staff. No chrome! With the advent of new requirements for firefighting, these helmets have gone down in history ...

[@michelbrisebois4317]

I use 100% pure neatsfoot oil on old military leathers like pigs skin, cows and horses and on old bicycle saddles. Some are hard and dry as wood. It ends up like new.

[@user-ib8wb3or8r]

It's not leather there)) I'Ve got the same helmet)))

[@solkatlol]

If you're already welding, you could weld a metal rod to the very bad dents and pull on them until the dent pops out and then cut off the weld:) beautiful work

[@user-dp1bd7gv9s]

Очень порадовало присутствие гимна в конце. Спасибо, хорошо сделал шлем.

[@advocado7373]

назад в совок

[@user-dc5tu3rt1z]

Совкодрочер)))

[@petrrus1124]

@@user-dc5tu3rt1z школьник

[@DiyRandom]

I think that’s originally was green, but anyway good job. 👍

[@theabsurd9416]

Diy Random it looks very nice in the grey, wouldn’t you agree?

[@jesslynn2171]

@@theabsurd9416 yes we agree, but it's a restoration, so the restoration should be as accurate as possible

[@happypuppercerberus8089]

But it’s shiny now

[@deathmetalmiri]

I think it might have been green on the inside and silver on the outside but I'm not at all sure

[@TITVS.]

no, it was all green, you can see that a lil bit from the emblem.

[@TheMaritimeHorror]

The music right at the beginning made me think Sarah McLaughlin was going to start telling me how just ten cents a day do help save a helmet from being abused and neglected.

[@eclinvo4910]

I am 14. If I watched this in school, it would be weird, but I'm eating food right now at home. I don't know why this is so cool but it is. Thanks for the work.

[@SnoopRockinJayDawg]

Love the Russian anthem at the end. He’s not a machine, he’s a man!

[@SanchoXDE1337]

It's USSR anthem, by the way

[@dxb8086]

@@SanchoXDE1337 It's the same anthem, just a different text.

[@SanchoXDE1337]

@@dxb8086I know, man, I'm from Russia)

[@kenjijor]

@@SanchoXDE1337, тебя тоже бесит, что Путин сменил "патриотическую песнь"?

[@marko_g_korenski]

Soviet anthem...

[@frankg3072]

That was a great restoration. I didn’t think the headliner could be restored but you did it. Good job! 👍👍

[@OddTinkering]

Thank you Frank! Genuine leather is amazing material. Too bad the straps had both snapped and what was left of the longer one had too bad cracks

[@user-li5ls7gu5z]

За восстановление и наш гимн - уважение! и подписка)

[@user-or3rs4hu9k]

По идее он должен быть зелёный. Реставрация классная, а за гимн отдельный лайкос.

[@hughjanus1135]

Thanks for fixing OUR helmet

[@WickedWookey]

"So I started learning welding..." LOL Love it! Great job o work lad!

[@lunarfarmer2716]

Nice man. In Soviet Russia you are not wearing a helmet. Helmet wears you. Hi from Krasnodar.

[@supmodel]

Bad joke

[@MrFalleone]

In Soviet Russia you don't even need a helmet, because "Women will breed more"

[@dmitriytemnov646]

Yeah, yeah. In soviet Russia YOU save HELMET.

[@benw8459]

Dmitriy Temnov 😂

[@MrToeSr]

we

[@Oddballkane]

I think it's nice to see people do this. We live in such a throw away society that this would have been melted down into something else. Instead you saved it gave the thing a new life.

[@Taterzz]

i think your next project should be to restore your workbench.

[@user-jh9bt3it8n]

За гимн СССР спасибо и за реставрацию, конечно.

[@notpulverman9660]

Same

[@crazychris129]

Translation : thanks for playing the soviet anthem and of course for the restauration

[@monstrik_inc]

и правда

[@itsyaboimojo2679]

@@monstrik_inc ,,mmmm

[@itsyaboimojo2679]

@@monstrik_inc K

[@tp8773]

this guy should go into the ASMR market

[@tiannatheorizer5742]

He is. This is basically asmr but with fixing stuff.

[@blakeverdon4492]

The chemicals metal section reminds me of Bob Ross and his knife on the canvas

[@richardnixon3222]

Автору канала большое спасибо за огромный труд!

[@maryfrederickson9400]

I loved your comment that "I am learning welding". So am I for almost the same reasons-- I like to fix things!

[@kuniosaiki]

Thank you, comrade, you have restored our Helmet to glory.

[@flipdachip9294]

When odd tinkering doesn’t wear gloves Everyone: Wait that’s illegal

[@latvianboy9388]

I have this soviet helmet at home its in green howewer there is some rust and dents on it

[@blakeverdon4492]

@Howie Felterbush that's what I thought too. If I was him In not sure I'd have tried to fix them because they're part of what makes these things so cool; the history and adventures and everything that helmet went through are present in those dents.

[@Smthn_Wicked]

Keep the dents but clean the helmet.the dents are apart of the helmets history

[@Jofoyo]

@@blakeverdon4492 A lot of people do complete restorations because it's what interests them, and can interest their customers. They can make for really good and authentic movie props or reenactments (in which they make new history), and, while unauthentic, damage can always be reapplied.

[@upstreamtoast3512]

Latvian boy keep it for a long time until it’s expensive

[@JohnW8223]

He's shined up that helmet really nice.

[@publiusvelocitor4668]

You're a many-talented craftsman. The finished product looks great!

[@OddTinkering]

Thank you. I with I had the gear to rechrome it but hopefully I get to do that sort of stuff as well when my channel grows

[@callumbalzaretti629]

I love this mans dedication

[@Field_Marshal_Emu]

Can't think of anything more relaxing or rewarding as taking something old and broken and making it as it was new. Doing God's work.

[@alexanderzubarev5984]

Честно говоря, немного "топорно" проведена реставрация. Изначально, я заметил, была ЗЕЛЁНАЯ краска. Под значком - тем более. Вообще элементы из кожи здесь можно было бы, по-хорошему, заменить на более новые, чем возиться со старыми. Значок - крайне расплывчато виден узор, который изначально был на нём, плюс, как мне кажется, можно было бы его отполировать на круге, после хорошей чистки. "Жидкий хром" - штука занятная, если честно. Первый раз вижу, чтобы в обход основной технологии делали такое покрытие. К сварке - претензий нет вообще. Хотя я и видел заклёпки на верхней части каски. Так что можно было, мне кажется, ещё и под эту часть заглянуть и выровнять, не применяя "жидкий металл". В целом, не обращая внимание на эти недочёты, работа проведена действительно хорошая.

[@user-xk8kq3xl3n]

Ну да, у меня зеленый шлем...

[@JackPoison]

Спасибо, что восстановили наш шлем.

[@toesparkle]

Hubby and I have been bingeing your channel all day, so thank you for quality quarantine content. This helmet is beautiful, but it made me sad when you filled that last dent in the center. This is a true antique and nothing makes it 80 years without a few bumps; leaving that one badge of honor makes it feel historical. Just my two cents. Keep up the great videos!

[@neopolitan1461]

It is *OUR* helmet, comrade

[@homeslice1179]

3:56 ...he bends down and snorts it all😂😂

[@russzolti6825]

First time I thought you are German than I learn you are Finnish. Greetings from Hungary.

[@KENNETHCARNIE]

Dear Odd Tinkering, As a former Fireman, Chaplain, Tac Medic and still current Paramedic, thank you for this video. Thank you for restoring a piece of the heratige of the service and sharing the story this helmet has to tell. Thank you for the time and detail that went into preserving it as well as our heratige that crosses culture, language, politics and land. May all those that still wear the uniform hold in humility the honor it is to wear the uniform and call their fellow service men (and women) brothers. (and sisters.) Thank you again for choosing this item for one of your videos as it holds a place of reverence to those that have worn one for the same purpose. Sencerely, Ken.

[@user-xw6qe9po2e]

Аж прослезился. Мастеру уважение и респект

[@rustyiron]

The 'comb' ridge on the top of the helmet was most likely, originally, attached with pins similar to those on the liner. Beautiful work.

[@sebmlts7437]

Nice, but you should have taken in account the historical look of the object, that is what makes a real Restoration! In this case, soviet helmet of that time where completely green!

[@user-mm9dz6ef5d]

Like for a real Soviet anthem at the end! Great recovery. Thin skin on a chin strap confuses a little.

[@TheMemeRonin]

*This Restoration Gets The Slav Squat Of Approval* 😂 but really Great Restoration

[@supmodel]

Not funny

[@Smthn_Wicked]

Super Modelist you have no sense of humor then

[@user-ze2wv6ey7r]

This is a helmet from the 1950s to the 1960s, mostly in protective color. It turned out very beautifully, thanks!

[@user-kz3fe1qn3c]

Вы даёте вторую жизнь вещам! Супер!

[@MontgomeryWenis]

You sanded it until it was shiny silver only to paint it shiny silver. The metal purist in me is screaming.

[@IronManRestoration]

How old is that helmet

[@yamamotoricky96]

1950's

[@MontgomeryWenis]

Seems pretty stupid to put firefighters in helmets made of something that gets very hot very quickly around flame.

[@AlexGTAgamer]

Nice work there comrade. The Motherland thanks you.

[@RandomNGenerator]

Смотрю зарубежных мастеров по реставрации - сколько у них разных реактивов и приспособлений! А тут все вручную. Там бросил в реактив, подождал, потом песком почистил- никакой ржавчины, блеск! Потом в другой реактив - пожалуйста, чернение и т.д. Дааа, тут надо иметь терпение.

[@jrojas030898]

After watching almost all the videos on vintage restoration, I don't need to know about the tools anymore , I need to know about that awesome watch * -*

[@rebeccafisk1991]

Dude. Your asmr game is smokin’ hot btw. Dropping this comment in a random video but it applies to allllll of the restoration vids!! 🥰❤️

[@TysyTube]

Hy i am realy curious if you watched my video before doing this for inspiration?😂😱

[@OddTinkering]

I've watched quite a few of your videos 👍 I didn't try to find a helmet to restore but after I found it, I did watch your video for inspiration. Keep up the great work! 🛠

[@user-ye8mh5iu4j]

Ты крутой

[@TysyTube]

cool

[@hismom5600]

@@TysyTube I just watched your video too. It was great!

[@CaptainWahoo-gh2pg]

@@TysyTube this guy may be good but you my good man, are better

[@jacobroman3168]

All i can say is wow, your a beast at this restoration stuff, good show big bro.....

[@Kronex_play]

Cпасибо Олег, хорошая работа!

[@jerrytc2978]

Really sad you didn't paint it the correct colors, but otherwise good work

[@Egon1982]

Renovation instead of restoration (colour) but anyways very good job ;)

[@wildwest2707]

Хорошая работа 👍👍👍

[@Supokful]

Отличная реставрация. Спасибо за гимн) Правда гребень лучше было бы натереть хромом

[@therealgeorge4196]

From one odd ball to another another great job, with music no less.

[@foashly7400]

This is a really neat restoration! I really like the end product. However, other similar helmets I've seen online that were better preserved seem to have originally been painted dark green rather than the reflective silver and gold of your restoration. What you have is truly unique!

[@Dead_By_Dinner]

I was wondering what the original colors were. Thanks for that.

[@figvam3849]

Гимн на концовку в тему лёг✊👍 пол дня теперь ходить напивать буду🛠🔥

[@i5engard]

again a perfect restoration. good talent

[@zaszlovjanos]

Пролетарии всех стран - соединяйтесь! Proletarians of all countries - unite! すべての国の労働者-団結！ Pracovníci všetkých krajín - zjednotiť sa! Pracovníci všech zemí - spojte se! Радници свих земаља - уједините се! And other languages, because I'm lazy👌🌚 P.S. Hello from Orel (Russia)

[@user-hi7kb1gv7e]

За гимн лайк)

[@kayraynu3470]

должен быть красным, пожарный же

[@andrewssecondchannel9516]

Tappy Toes bots?! It's russian people!!!

[@_aram_2187]

@@kayraynu3470 откуда тебе знать что должно быть

[@pvtPyleFMJ]

@@kayraynu3470 на самом деле эти шлемы были зеленого цвета, как армейские каски :)

[@seokjinluv]

Tappy Toes why would you trust CNN?

[@user-dx6pt9oo6h]

Very good restoration job 🔥🔥🔥🔥👍👍👍👍👍

[@scpnoobers]

I instantly recognized the end music when he was showing off the finished product because of call of duty 4 modern warfare’s spetsnaz victory theme.

[@erroleabrown4317]

wow what a beautiful job such a cool look when finished

[@bandivagyokhelo]

cool restoration but im pretty sure the helmet was originally green

[@alexsertov]

Спасибо за видео, товарищ! Thank you for the video comrade!

[@davidroosa4561]

Nice video, thanks for posting

[@gomezdrhotmailcom]

Outstanding work, the before & after shots are amazing.

[@SegzWithTedCruz]

Hey man just discovered your videos and I can't get enough! I had a recommendation I wanted to share. Similar to the lot of old knives/whatever you buy you can also buy lots of uncleaned and rusty ancient roman coins. Many of them are confirmed as coming from roman hordes but the coin details are often hidden under the rust, being in the dirt for two thousand years. It would be AWESOME to watch you clean and restore some ancient coins. Discovering what emperor/time period each coin comes from as you restore would be a rad little bonus. Cheers m8.

[@colinsilsbury2427]

Good restoration you did not take away to much of the character of the helmet it still looks as though could be hanging in a fire station

[@browill9]

Great job. Loved the video. Thanx

[@chernoknizhnik]

У меня такая каска в коллекции. Пожарный с 32-хлетним стажем. Очень классная работа реставратора. Однозначный лайк 👍

[@baileyboss500]

That music at the start sounds like some battlefield music

[@cosmetolog__d]

I stand, when Soviet anthem plays

[@michaelmalloy8396]

It’s 9:47 in the morning. I’m at my friends house and he still hasn’t woke up. Why am I watching this?

[@theabsurd9416]

I know a lot about the history of the USSR, and a lot about general life in the USSR. One thing I haven’t looked into much, is firefighting in the USSR, aside from the apparatus used. The helmet reminds me of American styled helmets, but also slightly of French styled helmets. Interesting design. Great work though, keep it up!

[@werdanvanich1144]

Fire service is equally dangerous everywhere. I think firefighters from any country have a lot in common, of course. Good luck to you!

[@michaelblinov7782]

Действительно лучше так, чем в металлолом. Но новые кожаные части сделать - пара часов не спеша...

[@diniskarabliov9994]

В том и смак что всё родное.

[@Slazaren]

Great work товарищ!

[@OddTinkering]

Thanks!

[@npanop463]

Thank you very much! 🚒👍 Спасибо!

[@mariojavier2124]

Your craftsmanship is god!!

[@nicholasjc6085]

You should give this to a museum, I bet the'll pay good money for it.

[@Dziko]

Nice job colleague!⚒️⚒️⚒️💪

[@OddTinkering]

Thanks!

[@Iyzdor]

This man hand sanded the rust off.....

[@sergk2820]

Wow great job . Спасибо.

[@drakedempsey72]

Hippity hoppity, your channel is now Soviet property

[@stevenbrown3249]

Every time he taps the hammer it reminds me of my Sim using a cutting board in double time

[@moritzb.801]

i wouldnt remove the dents, they are part of the helmets history and give it its character

[@ryanholt1680]

incredible man. i wish i could be like you

[@lourias]

I was deeply saddened that you took the fill route on this restoration. I do wish you would have taken off the top part and fully repaired it.