To Decal or not to Decal...

[JLush]

I just picked up a quite nice 202 from a fellow CCF member. It appears to be an early model as the bottom of the fount has a thick galvanized coating (unfortunately obscuring any date that I can see) and also has a ceramic burner cap which also leads me to believe early version. It cleaned up really nice and runs awesome but it's not perfect which is fine since I plan to use it. One of the weak points is that there is not much left of the decal on the fount. I'd kind of like to replace it but hesitate for a couple of reasons. Questions for you: What would the original look like? Any detailed pics? Would the original have been a water transfer style as opposed to an adhesive backed variety? Are there originals available or original style reproductions? Or is it better left imperfect but original?

[Tgarner01]

Mine had none, so I got the replacement one from OCP. They were originally water slide from my understanding.

[Gavercronos]

Originals were waterslide, the ones OCP has are on foil or mylar. There has been some discussion on whether the gold border was there originally or if it's just yellowed waterslide decal edge. Hard telling since the newest one was made 57 years ago. Either way, a good one does deserve a new decal, it really makes them look nice.

[25_502s]

How much original decal is remaining? I don’t think you can go wrong either way. The two I don’t use have nice original decals and the 3rd user was completely missing the decal and has a replacement. A new decal does make them look really good.

[JLush]

There's not much left. I may just need to get a new one. Thanks guys.

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[Ridge_Runner]

That’s a nice looking 202. Considering the amount missing, I’d treat it to a new decal too.

[Greazy]

That’s a nice looking 202. Considering the amount missing, I’d treat it to a new decal too.

I agree. Looks good by the way!

[Rubing]

I have replacement decals for all of my 202s but I haven’t had the b@lls to replace any of them yet.

[Sierra_Roadrunner]

That’s a nice looking 202. Considering the amount missing, I’d treat it to a new decal too.

+1 = I agree with what Ridge_Runner says and second with Greazy on his vote. I have a 242B that the fount is not stamped with the Coleman logo and put the sticker on it- makes it look a lot better. The condition your 202 is in I believe deserves a new decal too.

[rob_pontius]

I would almost bet that the date on your 202 is 8-54. Most of that date had really thick tin on the bottom and that month did have the ceramic burner as well. All of mine that were made after that date have nickel plated bottom plates that are very smooth and easy to see the date. Some of them have the date on the side as well. Be really careful if you polish the frame. The stainless steel that was used won't rust, but it didn't handle heat real well and lots of them have stress fractures in the uprights, right beside the spot where the mantle hangs. I've had more than one break off in that spot while hand polishing. I personally would leave the decal as it is. It's only original once.

[Dmacp]

I would almost bet that the date on your 202 is 8-54.

Terry Marsh told me to look very carefully at the bottom of my 202. I did and sure enough I can see the 8-54. Look under different types of light.

[JLush]

Well, after much agonizing I carefully scraped off the remnants of the original and and put on a new one. Even after some polishing I could see where the old decal was which helped in placing the new one. Fortunately the original was on pretty much centered and straight so I didn't have to drive myself crazy deciding if I wanted to duplicate the original placement or make it "right".

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[HappyLuke]

That looks so much better.
Luke

[Ridge_Runner]

I’m in the middle of my own decal quandary, but yep, that sealed the deal right there. Looks very nice!

[25_502s]

Beautiful!! Remember 202s were made in the ASA so the decals were not crooked like the Canadians.