Gillette Fatboy F4

[Euro_Lander]

Hello Everyone,
My father recently gave me his Gillette 195 ( Fatboy) which he purchased new in 1963.

It is an F4 ( produced last quarter of 1960) and I started taking it apart in the last few days.

I will be restoring it myself - something I will be attempting for the first time .

Off-topic : I am new to this forum and have been wet shaving off and on for the last 40+ years .

 

[santamariasteve]

Brother 777,

By coincidence I too have a F-4 Gillette Fat Boy. Let us know the progress of your restoration. If you have questions, there is a lotta knowledge on the forum.

There is something special about a razor that's been in the family since 1960.

 

[Euro_Lander]

Hello Steve,
Yes, to your latter comment - my father is in his early 90s so I need to take care with this restoration( need to learn how to nickel replate and strip etc ) .

 

[BigJ]

Great heirloom!! And an excellent project!!

 

[Euro_Lander]

In addition : Items used in dissembly.

1) Tweezers - to remove end cap at the base of the razor handle.

2) 1/4 inch wrench driver .

3) 24 mm spanner ( instead of using a hammer)

4) piece of cloth.

2,3 & 4 were used to remove razor head etc from the hollow handle.

 

[Anu]

Brilliant project and DIY approach. I'm on my way of re-plating a '64 GSA in Ruthenium and though experienced in electroplating, I still have to square out some potential problems. Please do keep up appraised !

 

[srqshaver]

Welcome to the forum. I applaud your dedication to mot only wanting to use but also completely restore the razor. I’ve been looking into nickel plating myself and it doesn’t seem overly difficult. I suspect that razor will be better than new when you are finished.

 

[Euro_Lander]

Some background information :
My father in the last few years only removed blades from the razor when they weren't sharp enough - thus the apparent damage to the plates.I have soaked them in hot water overnight a few times - it was the only way to separate them initially.

He claims to have gotten 10 shaves per blade ( he only uses Wilkinson sword )

I will be ordering a couple of nickel plates from China soon ( hopefully, they'll be here by Christmas )

Also the end portion of the " T " is slightly bent and needs to be fixed .
Passed Gillette's QC in those days - minor point.

 

[luvmysuper]

If you're going to try DIY nickel plating, one of the most important things is to not contaminate your nickel sulfate solution with other metals when making it.

 

[Euro_Lander]

Hello Luvmysuper,

Thanks for your input.

 

[Anu]

I'd probably go electoless for Ni. Better coverage, less hassle and equipment requirements, all pre-bathing necessities still standing.

 

[Euro_Lander]

I'd probably go electoless for Ni. Better coverage, less hassle and equipment requirements, all pre-bathing necessities still standing.

Thanks for your input too.

 

[Euro_Lander]

If you're going to try DIY nickel plating, one of the most important things is to not contaminate your nickel sulfate solution with other metals when making it.

For the record I'll be using a nickel acetate solution.

 

[Green Bob Shaving Newbie]

Keep us posted. I would love to try this myself BUT not that brave (yet)!

 

[Euro_Lander]

Hello Everyone,
I have cleaned the razor parts multiple times now.Also the bent bottom part of the "T" straightened out now.

Next :

1) polishing parts and cleaning again.
2) ordering the clicker spring from Matt because the original was flattened - useless.
Like I said in a previous post it will be some time before I can strip and re-plate - nickel plates coming from China.

 

[Anu]

Hooray ! It has indeed turned out nicely and it can only turn better after some chemical stripping. What layer thickness are you aiming for ?

 

[Euro_Lander]

Hooray ! It has indeed turned out nicely and it can only turn better after some chemical stripping. What layer thickness are you aiming for ?

I will be experimenting on copper piping first.

Plating and polishing and then deciding thickness - too much is no good so I must strike a balance.

Also the correct amperage and voltage important too .

 

[Euro_Lander]

Also rotary switch adaptor , alligator clips , multimeter and mason jar obtained.

The initial nickel acetate solution produced more quickly at higher voltage ,but the plating best done at low voltage/amperage.

 

[Anu]

That is correct, reckless ionic bombardment is to be strongly discouraged; also, the chemical/electrolytic stripping part is equally important.

 

[Euro_Lander]

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