A Clean Zippo is a Happy Zippo.

[arthurdent]

so here's a question to those that have black crackles: I just won one on ebay that's in well used condition with say about 30% paint...when I get it do I go to town and clean it up or is it considered better to leave as is to maintain the character and history?

[bigbaddad]

I always clean out the insert to remove any rust before it gets to be a problem.I also wipe it down with a light gun oil to keep it from getting rusty again.As for the case if there is still paint on it I would do nothing to it for fear of taking off what paint is still on it.bbd

[Spanish Flea]

I would agree with BBD. Clean the insert.

And if you want after you clean the insert dip it in some Metal Prep by Por 15, it will take care of all the rust and add a zinc layer for protection. (But it will darken the metal a bit, personally i would want the protection if it's not going to be used.)

Spanish Flea

[bigbaddad]

Flea,what I do is take it to the buffer.No compound just the plain buffing wheel and then the oil.It will not change the color of the steel like some of the other products can and they almost come out looking like new.Other way to keep them from getting rusty(after cleaning) is get those little desicat(spelling?) packets they put in the pockets of new cloths.Fold it up and put it inside the insert.Just remember to change them once in a while because they will break down in time depending on the weather conditions.
The final and best way to keep them from rusting is just use them once in a while.I find that filling and using them will keep the rust from forming.bbd

[arthurdent]

thanks boys, I was thinking to clean the insert at the least and as to the case I'd never try to clean it up as it may remove some paint and history as well.
Now what about the wick? If enough there is it advisable to trim to a nice clean wick or better to maintain the dirty ratty one for appearance sake?

This is gonna be so cool to have my first black crackle, hold it and wonder who had it and where it's been. Like you once said Jeff: if only these little babies could talk!

[bigbaddad]

Odd's are that if there is a wick it is down to about an inch or less.If it is long enough I usually trim it down a bit.I just dont like leaving the wick covered with soot if I am storing or displaying.I tend to think the soot contains junk that could cause trouble for the metal of the lighter.Nothing to back that up just my own thinking.If there is not enough of the wick to trim I just clean it with some fluid and a rag.Wiping it down can get rid of most of the soot.bbd

[Spanish Flea]

I fee the same way, But, if it's going to be on display, I will clean and cut the white wick so it's clean. If it's not long enough, i'll put a new wick in. But... if it's going to be used (which most of mine are) I will save the white wick and put in a new wick, that way when i decide to retire the zippo to my display, i can clean it and put a white wick back in it.

Spanish Flea

[freespirit07]

Bob, well done on the Black Crackle. My 2 cents worth would be to only change the wick if it's not the original wick (sorry for the difference in opinion to the others who posted) just because finding an original wick is darned hard to do (unless you're someone like Jeff who can find anything!). Can't even remember exactly what the difference betw. the old & new ones is at the mo' (too early in the morning) - ?? new is copper wire bound. Personally I like the old ratty look (starting to get that way meself!)

[Spanish Flea]

The left one is the Snow White Wick, the right one is a Newer Wick.

I personally like the Snow White Wick. But because they are hard to come by I try not to use them.

Spanish Flea

[bigbaddad]

Find anything?Well I don't know about all that but I do have an ample supply of "other brand" old beat up lighters that have the same wick's as the old Zippos.Having an ample supply of old wicks and even cotton that will look correct if needed does come in handy.I recommend buying old beat up lighters in lot's at tag sales and alike.Lot's of times you can get a ton of them very cheap from sellers just wanting to get rid of them.You just never know what you will be able to use later.bbd

[arthurdent]

Grazie my friends.

You've given me plenty of good advice to review when the little honey arrives. It was mailed yesterday so I may even see it by the weekend!

Of all the lighters that I've purchased this is the one that elicits the most anticipation.

Jeff, send along a few wicks with that bottle of Scotch will you?

[bigbaddad]

I might just bring that bottle of scotch to the international swap.Boy that stuff would make a nice toast.bbd

[freddythefox]

I'm in need of various bits for quite a few of my lighters how do i go about ordering spares,IE zippo cotton,wicks etc etc.i am going to be busy over the winter months.also these sonic cleaners,are they the same ones as bob uses for his dentures??i will be bringing some thing nice to toast with me.

[Spanish Flea]

I got plenty of zippo cotton, PM me a address and what you need and i'll send it to ya.

Spanish Flea

[arthurdent]

freddythefox said:

...also these sonic cleaners,are they the same ones as bob uses for his dentures??...

freddy, the cleaner should be the same as is used for dentures. Oh and that letter "A" on the lighter you received from bigbaddad stands for arsehole!