Have just managed to get hold of an FL6, been after one fore a while, but they have been a bit expensive for the ones I have seen. I have notices a couple of issues with this one when I changed all of the washers on it. Firstly, the pump seems to be smaller than the ones I have seen and the replacement leather pump is was too big. I can see that someone has done some work around the fitting, but found this using a search. Help needed: Tilley FL6 pumps How would I be able to date my FL6? The glass also has a few slight chips in it, nothing to worry about, but the class does not sit flush to each other. Is this how it should be, or can I do something to alter this? The gauge does not work. Can I just unscrew it to see what it happening. Or is it best just to leave it alone? Lastly, the reflector is a bit dull and pitted. I had a quick clean using some car polish, but didn't go at it too had in case I will damage it. What have others done? Many thanks Trevor
the gauge does un screw from the tank there is a lead washer behind it don't loose it ;if you can't get the gauge to work i have a spare if you need it 'what i did with mine was to completely sand it down a wire brush on a drill than wet sand paper it came out rather smooth ;the 3 piece glass has a seal that wraps around the inside to hold them in place and not rattle ;if that is gone which i am sure it is as they dry rot and fall apart ;i use a window screen which has the same type of seal ;it worked just fine ; i hope this helps and yes the pumps should use the same leathers 'might be someone has changed it as they are the same size of a R-55 heater good luck and once it is done you sure will enjoy how bright they get 'they will shine up to a 1/4 mile '
Trevor 1. Your FL6 is from 1937/8 as Mackburner said of mine. Therefore a rather rare one. 2. That version has the pump with a smaller bore that takes a standard Tilley pump leather (eg for the X246). See here: Help needed: Tilley FL6 pumps You can clean up the solder around the pump and check it doesn't leak there (after you fit new seals). 3. The glass is secured by a circular brass fitting attached to the steel door with brass screws. It is a fiddle to get everything straight and their is a bit of slack between the glass panels. 4. Go gently with the reflector. I used carburettor cleaner on the dark bits and then "Autosol". You won't get it perfect without replating it. I've not had to fix a gauge, but Stormie's advice looks good. I hope that's useful for you. Tony PS. This might be of some use: Fettling notes for my 1937 Tilley FL6
Thanks for all of your replies. I have been gently with the cleaning of the reflector so far. I do have some Autosol, so might have a try with that in a discrete area. I have checked around the solder and there does not appear to be any leaks. As for the gauge, I think I will leave it alone. Worried that I may damage something while removing it and it isn't a big issue. Need to make a stand for it next. Regards Trevor
Yes this is first issue FL6 from 1937. They are not at all common so this is a very nice find. ::Neil::
Sound like I have found another bargain then. This along with the Coleman 427K I found several years ago, I am more than happy! Trevor
