[42rocker]

Well was cleaning last night and "found" a unfinished 1917a1 ammo box, or stripped box. It has all of the metal and a leather handle.

What should I use as a finish?? I believe that the original was a grey/green paint, been looking at the great website,
http://browningmgs.com/AmmoCans/Wood.htm

But I like the wood finish and was thinking about using a epoxy stain finish. I guess that if I change my mind later I can always paint over the finish.

That said what do you folks think that I should use as a finish??

Later 42rocker

 

[MG08]

Clearly, the correct answer is a purple flame paint job.

Actually the original natural oak looks really nice if you have a box that is tight and undamaged. I did a couple like that back in the good old days and still have them. You can always paint them green.

 

[brassmagnet]

I agree. Keep the oak finish for now - unless you absolutely need it in original config.....so much more pleasing to the eye....

 

[42rocker]

Minnesota Purple Flame job. I have a lot of Family and used to live in Minnesota I still might have to pass on Purple.
Well here in Fla I'm thinking Fire Engine Red Flame job. LOL for both ideas unless I Chrome the barrel shroud and box then add a few Flaming touches to the sides. NOT. Yes I've seen pics of one of the Chromed up jobs, Pass.

Other than that idea which will just have to go up in Flames. I'm thinking that we all seem to agree to use an epoxy stain for now and if I want/need then I'll paint over it. I'm thinking of Bright Brass on the 1917a1 tripod also. So it just might not be ready for the field till a little paint is applied.

Thanks for the input.

Later 42rocker

 

[MG08]

Minnesota Purple Flame job. I have a lot of Family and used to live in Minnesota I still might have to pass on Purple.
Well here in Fla I'm thinking Fire Engine Red Flame job. LOL for both ideas unless I Chrome the barrel shroud and box then add a few Flaming touches to the sides. NOT. Yes I've seen pics of one of the Chromed up jobs, Pass.

Other than that idea which will just have to go up in Flames. I'm thinking that we all seem to agree to use an epoxy stain for now and if I want/need then I'll paint over it. I'm thinking of Bright Brass on the 1917a1 tripod also. So it just might not be ready for the field till a little paint is applied.

Thanks for the input.

Later 42rocker

If I Get some time I will go dig out the natural wood boxes and post a photo- I left metal in OD green, ( If I remember correctly) , and I am sure you can figure out what a green box looks like. I still have a couple of boxes to restore here somewhere, bought them cheap and was going to clean/ sand refinish with new leather handles. If I could photo shop I would do a purple flame box just so everyone can see how great that would look on a Chromed 1919 with a fire engine red metallic tripod......

 

[Kirby]

Well was cleaning last night and "found" a unfinished 1917a1 ammo box, or stripped box. It has all of the metal and a leather handle.

What should I use as a finish?? I believe that the original was a grey/green paint, been looking at the great website,
http://browningmgs.com/AmmoCans/Wood.htm

But I like the wood finish and was thinking about using a epoxy stain finish. I guess that if I change my mind later I can always paint over the finish.

That said what do you folks think that I should use as a finish??

Later 42rocker

Great article on restoration by a forum member at this link -

http://www.90thidpg.us/Equipment/Projects/1917Boxes/index.html

 

[42rocker]

Nice Link.

Thanks 42rocker

 

[L999here]

What I use on 1917 carts...

Several folks have asked me to recommend the type paint I use for the restoration of my 1917 machine Gun carts. I have used this type from LOWE'S for all 30-carts,dozens of .30 cal oak wood boxes,25-1917 Spare Parts boxes,.50 BMG wood type-1 boxes,etc. Hope this will help folks to complete and enhance their own wood projects. The pic's are the same...but may be easier to see from different angles.

 

[42rocker]

Thanks for the input everyone.

Later 42rocker