I just acquired an Aida Express 1500 in pretty crusty condition. Given the condition, where do you guys recommend I get all the parts in a kit to rebuild this lantern, once I have it cleaned up. Also, what is the difference between a regular and Two-hole in these lanterns? Is it because of the pre-heat torch being an additional hole in the fount. I have looked at the pelam.de site as well as brytelite, but I'm still confused. I'm familiar with Coleman USA lanterns, but just a little intimidated by this one. I don't want to muck up anything on it as I go about restoration. Thanks.
Hi Otis, this type of lantern should be pretty much like the Petromax, so most if not all spare parts will fit. Over here in Germany you can get them at hytta.de or pelam.de and probably some others as well. The two-hole that you mentioned means a kind of mantle which isn't suitable for your lantern unless you have the optional support bracket which gets mounted at the burner. Probably your lantern needs a set of new washers/gaskets (especially at the pump and the fuel pickup) and a good cleanup. But to say more a picture would be helpful. Please note that these lanterns run on kerosene and don't have a positive shutoff valve for the fuel such as Colemans. Instead they use NRV's at the pump and a poppet valve at the fuel pickup. These valves are essential to guarantee a safe/clean operation BR, Martin
Thanks Martin for the reply. I will get a picture up later when I'm at home near it. It looks to be in good shape, but really dirty with a lot of dirt on the metal. I will be giving it a once over using the citric or vinegar wash method. I just need to order the right kit to fix it up correctly. This is my first Petromax style of lantern I have worked on. Thanks.
You're welcome. Maybe that link below may give you some useful advice: Petromax Restoration Regards, Martin
A photo would really help. Being as you're in the States, and I have restored an Aida, I might be able to help. Al Russell, PA
Well, I'm going to err on the side of caution, and do this up right. I just ordered a complete seal kit out of Germany for the Aida. The pump leather was trashed, so I needed it anyway. I'll get busy on it, so when the seals come in I should have all the cleaning done and be ready.
It looks like it has the world's dirt on it, but seems pretty straight. It should look great when you get done applying the elbow grease.
Hi Otis, looks like it has been hanging outside for a long time. But I agree that some elbow grease might help to get it shiny again. These Aidas are from good quality and were manufactured in the 1950's-1960's in the Petromax factory at Altena/Germany and are technically identical to the Petromax. So your spare parts will fit for sure, without any need for adaptation. BR, Martin
I like lantern in these desperate states. Just clean the primary parts and leave all the dirt. Clean the globe and fire her up. Nothing better then the sight of such a lantern burning. Spare parts can even be obtained by conrad. leave the rapid when it is not leaking and use the pre hearter cup for pre heating. You maye need to clean the inner hood and top hat because they become hot. But no polish.
I'd like to thank everyone for the help and resources given. After my parts arrived from Germany, I cleaned everything up and followed the restoration tutorial mentioned by Martin. She may never be a pageant winner, due to thin nickel plating from the dirt/neglect, but she does run strong now. Very bright lanterns, no doubt in my mind. Thanks again for the help.
Hi Otis, well done In my eyes it's always a great experience to give such an old apparatus a chance for a new life! I myself just finished restoring an old Hasag 52A. Runs like new and serves me as a lighting with a gentle hiss at the moment! Enjoy, Martin
Well done! A rough lantern is far finer than on unlit NIB one. Rough lanterns speak of service and adventure. I'd much rather have a scar than a tattoo. Tattoo are generally mistakes you don't remember, but scars have stories you can't forget
