Victor Safe Restoration 14: Installing Decals

[@toolguy6057]

Good call on leaving the inside original. It is kind of a witness mark for future generations to admire.

[@furbarator]

Keith I have followed your Victor Safe series and it has been an outstanding journey. At the beginning I had my doubts about how nice it would look when finished. You have surpassed all my expectations and in fact made a beautiful piece of history that will last for generations, Thank you for taking the time and effort to make and share your project.

[@furbarator]

The fact the safe is a family heirloom makes it even more special. Thank you for sharing.

[@matthewtroiano3024]

The lettering on the victor patent matches the striping very well in the video. Now that award badge should stand out. It is an award and at the time I am willing to bet Victor Safe was very proud of that.

[@lizzapaolia959]

Looks fantastic 😊. Thank you for sharing your videos. God bless you 🙏

[@charlieromeo7663]

We used a fiberglass tape with an RTV based adhesive when we wanted to hold uninstalled tiles in place or whenever we needed to secure something to the vehicle tiles. The tiles themselves had a Nomex felt pad about .160 inch thick between the rigid aluminum skin and the ceramic tile. Both bond lines were bonded with good old GE RTV 560 silicone adhesive and attached them very securely despite the perceptions that they fell off! Looking forward to dial installation on the safe. Charlie R

[@TheMetalButcher]

This safe will look better than new by the time you're done!

[@TheMetalButcher]

Too late, you're well past that. :)

[@charlieromeo7663]

Keith, I'm watching this project progress and enjoying it very much. It's a pleasure to watch you work and I always seem to learn something. If I may, I'd like to offer a technique I learned years ago about removing tape or similar adhesive-backed materials from delicate substrates. It essentially boils down to shear loading vs. tensile loads. The trick is to remove the backing or tape at a 180 degree angle (back over itself). This technique minimizes tensile load on the bond line of the material as much as physically possible on a flat surface. Not that you had any problems but this method will never fail you! In case you wonder where I learned it, it was how we removed tape from the delicate tiles on the space shuttle. Keep up the great work. I eagerly await the next video Keith!

[@daque1960]

Looking good. Last step is to fill it with vintage gold bars.

[@chrisknowles]

"In Hoc Signo Vicimus" That's the motto from my old High School Alma Mater! Thanks for bringing back fond memories Keith. Oh and the safe is looking fantastic!

[@wnebergall]

Keith A good way to apply the decals is to spray the area with fantastic or something similar. Take the backing off the decal and apply it to your area. you can then slide it around and position it on top of the fantastic. When ready hold one side and squeegee the fantastic out from under. It will stick very well, I have seen this done to semi-trucks and it never blew loose going down the highway Bill

[@AmateurRedneckWorkshop]

That safe is looking better every time you add to it. I am sure the final product is going to be spectacular. Thanks for the videol

[@MySqueakyfoot]

I like the idea of making 2 draws and maybe even staining them the same weathered color as the small door. As for the carpet, as rough and weathered as it is you may just want to leave the inside of the safe as close to original as you can. Maybe you can get away with inserting some piping on the front carpet edge to give it a finished look. The decals look great and the safe is going to be a fine addition to any office or den.

[@shawnmrfixitlee6478]

Oh man , Keith that looks great , Your doing everything just right to get it back to the way it was back in the day ! Love this project , Thanks for the share !!

[@shawnmrfixitlee6478]

For sure Keith !!

[@Rich206L]

Looking good Keith. I have a little tip regarding installing those types of decals. If you use a soap solution (dish washing soap like Palmolive in the squeeze bottle), just add a squirt in a cup of luke warm water and wipe the area where the decal goes, you can apply the decal and it will slide around until you get it exactly right. It also makes removing any bubbles very easy. It will usually dry in a few hours or overnight for sure. I was taught this by one of our police mechanics when we had to add some decals to the patrol cars. Looking forward to the rest of this terrific series! Regards, Rich

[@Rich206L]

***** Well enough! Maybe it will help someone else... :)

[@gipsymoth2]

Keith, thank you for your great help to educate us. Your intro music is perfect. Please know you are a special person we really appreciate.

[@marcosbarreto9336]

I'm sending the gold to be saved . Excellent work Keith.

[@jeanettecrook2152]

Upon reviewing the alcohohohohol v residue equation one has learned a stock of 10 year old (minimum) Scottish island (Jura) malt whysky leaves naught but a sense of wholesome well being, when consumed in vast quantities, a clear glass container (widely recycled) and a cork, which can be traded for Kangaroo ear hair with ones antipodean cousins who use the corks to adorn their welding helmets. Top job Mr Rucker ;)

[@mack255]

That safe is going to look better than new.

[@horneygeorgeforge7079]

Very good job Keith ! I'm sure you will get it all Dialed in soon ! thank you for sharing !

[@VintageMachinery]

+dennis brooks Thanks Dennis!

[@dlstanf2]

As many have said, a little soapy solution allows you to move the decals around until you have them position properly, i.e. window film, wallpaper, decals. The moisture is squeegee out and dries clear. Old decals used a wheat paste and then there's decupage. But you did do a 'painstakingly' good job.

[@scottm6370]

Did the original safes have decals or were they painted ?

[@gentlebear76]

Hi Keith. It's looking good :-) I had missed that it was wood on the inside so I think you're right on your choice on keeping as much to the original as possible. Looking forward to seeing the brass work comming up :-) Have a nice easter. Michael

[@ErnieNoa3]

Very nice job. Looks brand new!

[@johnbazaar8440]

What a beautiful piece. John

[@bigun447]

DITTO!

[@keldsor]

Hi Keith ! Very very nice finish you got there ... and it ended up very nice ... ready for a prominent place in the house ;-))

[@keldsor]

***** Ha, ha, that's often a struggle with such valuables ;-))

[@bcbloc02]

I suspect you could use a concave cutter on the horizontal mill combined with a rotary table to machine matching acorn nuts. My dad had an old 1800's postmaster cabinet and it was lined in a green very fine felt, almost like a paper. Whenever I look in an old roll top or something I get flashbacks of that same green felt. That safe is looking fantastic.

[@Ropetangler]

Keith, you may find someone doing old home restorations who can find you a piece of old carpet from that era. Even if most of the carpet is worn out, there will be some parts which had large pieces of furniture like a table, bed or even a piano above, so that section could be like new. Just a thought. Like near everyone else says, you are doing a great job on this safe restoration, and you make it really interesting for your viewers as well. Keep up the great work and thank you for all your interesting videos.

[@johnstrange6799]

Very worthwhile series.

[@VintageMachinery]

+John Strange Thank you!

[@ziggyr1]

beautiful job so far. the wooden drawers for the inside would look perfect.

[@yanwo2359]

***** I vote for "over the top."

[@dammitcoetzee]

Looking great! Interesting that they would use plywood.

[@andymandyandsheba4571]

looks amazing keith cant wait to see it finished in all its glory

[@Hotrodelectric]

Carpet? There's only one choice- shag, baby! Burnt orange, naturally. :) Those decals are a nice "pop". The resto is coming along nicely. Of the interior, past replacing the matting I'm in the leave it alone camp. Finding rather than making a pair of original drawers would be great if you can.

[@Tyrod001]

***** Oh come now, the woodpecker in you knows you want to make some.

[@PeterWMeek]

When I want something with an adhesive backing to absolutely stick everywhere, I burnish the entire surface with the bowl of a spoon. It really concentrates the pressure while not risking gouging up any edges. With the cover paper, gouging would not be an issue, but really getting that adhesive into complete contact with the surface can make a difference years down the road.

[@jusb1066]

even your ancestor would barely recognise it, good job Keith, it's a heirloom you will be handing down also

[@IceManTX69]

Love it! It's really coming along. Can't wait for the dial redo!

[@silveradoman298]

The safe looks real nice Keith. I agree that a red strip on the front would frame those decals nicely.

[@geneelliott2825]

Woops my mistake! I was seeing the St Louis and had just watched another decal install that said Chicago and translated that to yours. Gotta watch us old folks our eyesight and memory play tricks from time to time! Well in my case most of the time > grin

[@pierresgarage2687]

Hi Keith, In 1904 they had no CNC...!!! Guess you'll have to discover how it was done and show it to us... That's the order of the day... lol Looks great. Pierre

[@pierresgarage2687]

They were making them for production runs... Now it's more for restoration or valued jobs.

[@leeh.4453]

I agree, it is looking great. Mister Victor would be proud. I vote for carpet, nothing on the wood, and you make drawers. Finding stable solid wood that wide (not plywood), then keeping it flat will be interesting....

[@uberintj]

***** I was thinking it would look nice with simple oak box joint drawers with cutouts at the top front edge for pulls. My tastes run to the simple side though. Something really fancy like your curly maple idea might pop too. Just a different 'tone' than I imagined.

[@RoelTyros]

Hello Keith, Nice work those decals but I think that the golden letters Victor Patent matches more the lines than the shiny golden letters from that little shield under it. The lines you made are a bit matt and not shiny so therefor in my view that suits better. Anyway thanx for the update on the safe restoration ! Many greetings from Roel.

[@halfwayuphill]

I agree, replace the carpet with period correct carpet and don't forget to get an antique bank bag to fill with chocolate coins for the final picture of the restored safe - you can find them on ebay under antique bank bags or vintage canvas money bag.

[@jusb1066]

haha chocolate coins, perhaps wear a striped jersey and show him robbing the safe!

[@not2fast4u2c]

the decals look nice !!! Maybe a viewer may find an old piece of carpet antique flea markets may have some cheaper rugs that have alot of wear but may have a good spot left to cut out

[@markbartlett8519]

Looking great, nice project.

[@tombellus8986]

Looks great Keith--------------------thanks

[@stuarthardy4626]

Keith As they are sticky back decals ,the best way is to clean as you did and then wet the surface with water then apply them as you did squeegee them down to get rid of the air bubbles and excess water . Leave them for a few hours and they will be fine . Doing it this way gives you time to get them in the correct place infact they can be slid about This method is used by model car people and the firms that do window tinting . Try it with some sicky backed plastic I think you will be suprised The safe is comming along very nicely Stuart

[@sandrammer]

Have your guy with the 3D printer make the acorns and we'll cast them the same time we do the dial. Have him make a split pattern and it will be easier to ram up. Project looking great!

[@swarfrat311]

Keith, Your safe is really looking great! As mentioned, a flea market, yard sale or estate sale might be a good idea for finding old carpet. Would your wife miss some carpet from under the sofa? (LOL) Seriously, you are doing a great job on the restoration! Good luck in finding some carpet! Have a good one! Dave

[@johnnelson8956]

In the future, use grease pencils to make layout lines. They will not stain cured paint and wipe off easily. I have been stripping and airbrushing for a long time and I do my designs free hand using tape and grease pencils.

[@mack255]

A rubber roller work's real good on those after you get them put down to make sure it is stuck good.

[@johnnym1320]

Great project Keith, maybe try John at NYC CNC to make the acorns, he has a cnc lathe and I am sure he would love to do it.

[@pfrieden1]

While watching the video, I was thinking exactly the same thing. I think it would be an interesting cross-over. The nice thing about going this route is that it could be done on video so that we could see the whole process. Definitely an interesting old meets new situation.

[@gordonmcmillan3130]

Excellent work Keith. It does need new carpet and two wooden drawers, I agree. Only visual thing that jumps out at me is the door is a lot shinier than the body of the safe now ?

[@gordonmcmillan3130]

Thanks Keith, thought it might be something like that.

[@Blazer02LS]

Looks good. I wandered around the web a bit. Looks like some said patent and some were patents. Wonder if it was to do with age and components? Maybe the old safes they only held a patent on one item while the later ones they had more? That inner box looks like an old bank safety deposit box.

[@JackHoying]

Beautiful results!

[@williamryan596]

Be careful when clear coating over the vinyl decal. I had my gun safe painted and we put on a new browning deer head sticker and shot clear over it. The vinyl reacted with the clear and wrinkled up on me. I had to remove the decal and resand the door to remove the clear. I eventually had to go with a gold leaf rubbing to get the logo on it. The guy who put on the gold leaf told me that the first painter should have shot several light misting coats to cover the decal before shooting a heavy coat of clear. That might have prevented the wrinkling

[@rongehlken8725]

Very nicely done, I have the same safe but with a handle next to the dial. Can you share the link to the decal set please? Thank you.

[@rickhalverson2252]

Water slide decals on a specialty alps printer, they use metallic inks, gold silver.. it adds a depth and sheen that you cannot obtain on vinyl.

[@Vickwick58]

You should be able to find appropriate carpet bag material at any upholstery store. If you have a problem finding any let me know and I'll get you some and send it along. We have some really excellent upholstery stores here in Staten Island.

[@jrrdw]

Try a automotive upholstery shop for the carpet. Nice work!

[@jrrdw]

***** Yea I understand there's no feeling it through the computer. I just figured that cars normally have a unusual kind of fabric and could probably come closer to matching it then standard flooring carpet. Have you tried any furniture shops? When looking for the strange and unusual, you have to look at the strange and unusual. I'm sure you'll find what your looking for...Happy hunting!

[@jeffmoss26]

Looks great!!

[@dinamboyz]

The decals looks great. I like it you are trying to keep it a original as possible. You could try Hafren Furnishers in the UK they are based in Wales, for the carpet..

[@VintageMachinery]

dinamboyz I still have not dug up some carpet for the safe - I need to get that done. I might look into those guys. Thanks!

[@farmliving8471]

Was just wondering if there is a huge mistake in how "Lovisiana Pvrchase" is spelled... from what it looked like in your video, they spelled the "U" in Louisiana and in Purchase with a "V" instead of a "U" or is that how they did the letter U back in the early 1900's? Oh and gotta say that me and my husband have enjoyed so many of your videos! We are restoring 2 Diebold safes. One which has the inner jeweler's door with the Eagle 161 lock and both the outer and inner door has the May 23 1871 patent, and so we GENUINELY appreciate how you take so much of your time to explain things in detail which unquestionably helps us since we have done many restorations such as jukeboxes, old Ford 9n and 8n tractors, De Laval cream separators, etc but this is our first time doing these awesome floor safes.

[@VintageMachinery]

The "V" was done on purpose. This was common back during the era that the safe was made - to use the roman alphabet on things that you want to look "fancy". The Roman alphabet used "V" for "U". Same reason you see a lot of Court Houses that are inscribed on the front "COVRT HOVSE". Interesting history: www.pampamuseum.org/-why-v-instead-of-u.html

[@8056443232]

Could you expand on the "Patent" vs. "Patents?" I read (here in comments) where you said that it is seen both ways, and I was mainly wondering if it helped to date the safe or anything such as that. For example, did they print "Patent" up to, and "Patents" after a certain date or some-such? I found about a dozen or more images in a Google search, and all had the "S." I immediately thought it could be lots of people making the same mistake on restoration... Keith, I certainly enjoy watching your videos! Keep up the excellent work.

[@vajake1]

Great Job! Is there any news on the dial and dial bezel? I really look forward to seeing you videos! Thanks so much for posting this!

[@juanrivero8]

***** Currently myfordboy (on the myfordboy channel) is building a waste oil-fired furnace which might interest you.

[@IgotHeliFever]

Keith I know it's been a few years but if you have not found any carpet for your safe look for old throw type rugs as many had the same florale patterns as carpets back then because many could only afford a rug or two! : ) I'll bet your safe is 1910-1925? Did your ever say when it was made?

[@aserta]

There are "victor patents" safes. 1904 There's two documented cases (people either trying to get them open or appraised) online. So i believe it's a case of different manufacturing years. Probably doesn't matter.

[@hankus253]

***** The ebay seller acknowledges the issue with the word patents in his posting, that it is found both ways so its the users discretion to cut it off he says.

[@bobauer4359]

Keith, The safe looks great. Couldn't you make a pattern and cast the acorns?.

[@80spodcastchannel]

Hey Keith.. the latin made me google search it.. and it means this; *IN HOC SIGNO VINCES* is a Latin phrase meaning " *In this sign you will conquer* "..good stuff, the safe looks excellent. Seeya Dude

[@farerse]

i would like to have a safe like that as a nice furniture at home

[@CHOPPEDK181]

Keith, beautiful work, really enjoying the museum machines and steam related work. Can you tell us anything about the history of spelling Louisiana Purchase "Lovisiana Pvrchase"? Interested in why they spelled with 'V' instead of 'U' on the badge, google wasn't much help... maybe you can lend some insight? Thank you so much for sharing your passion with us!

[@VintageMachinery]

+CHOPPEDK181 It was common a long time ago to use the Roman alphabet when you wanted things to look official or fancy. That alphabet did not have the letter "U" an instead used a "V". Same reason you see a lot of court houses that have "COVRT HOVSE" inscribed on the front of it. If you Google it, you will find some pretty interesting history.

[@CHOPPEDK181]

+Keith Rucker - VintageMachinery.org Keith, thank you for the reply. You know, the odd thing to me is that a little detail like this STILL brings an element of fancy-ness to the piece. For me at least. Very cool. Thanks for sharing, and I will be sure to look into that! Much appreciated and keep up the good work for others to see and be inspired by.

[@hans_ronnback_0740]

Hello Mr. Rucker A suggestion, order a sticker that tells about who renovated the safe and when, and place it on the inside of a door. so that future generations can say that "this is a excellent work" I think the safe is super nice. Hans O

[@hans_ronnback_0740]

***** Oh yes sir, it's even better to get the history with. Try to get it fixed in the safe so it does not disappear through time. Hans O

[@jedclampett95]

Is a comma "correct" after "...LOCK CO."? I have never seen a comma used between a name and city on a product. Just curious. I'm cutting and weeding vinyl as I watch your terrific videos. Thanks for them, Keith.

[@andymandyandsheba4571]

carpet swatches from a carpet shop some times have old ones they want rid of

[@Vickwick58]

That safe is nicer than my house.

[@MRBoatwrights]

I like your shop aporn. Where did you get it and what is the brand, size and model number? I want to get one like it.

[@carver3419]

Is it also possible to turn decorative brass on a wood lathe with hand tools? I've heard of candlesticks made this way.

[@mack255]

You should get yourself some china markers too mark thing like that. They wipe right off when you are done.

[@leverman7517]

Nice job on the safe and details Keith, just wondering on the decal. There is a "V" in Louisiana, and in Purchase. Did I miss something?

[@VintageMachinery]

+k wheele Yes, it was common to use the roman alphabet back during this time when you wanted something to look "fancy" and the Roman alphabet did not have a letter U - instead, they used the letter V. Same reason why a of old court houses say "Covrt Hovse".

[@dpeagles]

Keith, video 14 and on haven't been added to the Victor Safe playlist. Thought I would let you know.

[@DakotaHunt127]

Hey Keith, you get those acorn nut pieces done yet? If you can get me a hand sketch of what you want, I could draw up a model and make them on the CNC lathe I have access to. I don't imagine they should be much trouble.

[@VintageMachinery]

Dakota Hunt That would be awesome! I will work up a drawing and email it to you.

[@juanrivero8]

"In hoc signum vincimus," says the inside legend. It means in Latin "in (or with) this sign (or picture) we conquer.". Most appropriate title for this video. All you do is translate "sign or picture" as "decal". And conquer you did!! What a beautiful job. The Romans, of course, did not know from decals. As for the bottom carpeting, there are two schools of thought. One says "restore to new", the other :fix it, but let it look as if it had been used continously ever since it was built." My thought is that the outside will be "like new" so... if you can find some carpeting, OK, But follow your own taste.

[@andymandyandsheba4571]

hi keith been out not been back long this looks interesting

[@sandrammer]

I was intrigued by the latin phrase on the decal so I had it translated. The direct translation was "In the Lineage" but I feel that what the originator of the phrase meant was "In the Family". Don't you love computer translators.

[@marypiskur4808]

I have an original and it indeed has an "s" on the end of patent and also has that funny part to the letter c.

[@JunkMikesWorld]

Nice!!!

[@scottolsen8582]

Is it just me, or should there be an "O" after Cincinnati under the decal? I'm sorry if this has been asked before. I didn't see it listed.

[@geneelliott2825]

It appears your decals represented three different places of manufacture was this like the original or am I being too nitpicky? Casting the acorns shouldn't be too difficult?

[@jamesgyorko3850]

Decal are much easier to apply if the piece is laid flat.

[@felixrivas9419]

Hi Kieth, negative on the dials, mine are all Gary and Hamilton dials. I apologize.

[@felixrivas9419]

I understand. I am anxious to see you make it myself.

[@PatrickPoet]

This is not in the Victor Safe Restoration playlist, btw.

[@BedsitBob]

I think that slogan on the inside may be wrong. "In Hoc Signo Vincimus" means "In this sign fail". I think it should read "In hoc signo vinces", which translates to "By this sign thou shalt conquer".

[@rickbrandt9559]

Maybe the award decal was meant to be shiny by Victor to emphasize (highlight) the award Nice

[@marksinden4156]

That carpet looks like a Paisley pattern to me - if you Google "Paisley Carpet" and select images, there are a couple of close matches in the first dozen or so results. Given the size, it could be a piece from a pattern selection book, to save the cost of whole pieces of carpet. Parts of this rug look very similar, for instance - www.atlantahomeimprovement.com/sites/pub.atlantahomeimprovement.com/files/paisley-red-rectangle-rug.jpg

[@VintageMachinery]

+Mark Sinden Yep, I have found several patterns that are a close match. Still need to get a piece ordered though....

[@rjlundeen]

I would leave the inside as is, also leave the carpet as is!

[@bendavanza]

Keith, Don't be afraid to make your acorns. Remember their fit and finish was not to exacting tolerances for such a part. If you rough out the shape and then do some smoothing with a large radius tool, and a little file work, you could turn out some great acorns. I did some interesting shapes here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aISqhHlnfcmeqbM

[@danny03455]

Just a Poor northerner , Were was the LoVisiana PVrchase Did they use V's instead of U's because it being a Victor Safe ? Great Job on the Safe an your pinstriping color match .

[@gbowne1]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carpetbagger

[@dennyskerb4992]

Hey Keith, you need wax pencils bro.

[@mack255]

Hay Keith I'am from Cincinnati,Ohio.I know who cares. LOL