I finally got my B model

[Mark_78702]

I moved into my new house this past weekend, and got a closer look at my "new" Chambers Model B.

I'm pretty sure that it's a B. The serial number tag was so greased up that cleaned it a while and gave up before I got a complete confirmation. Would the final character in the serial number be a B? 'Cause it could have been an 8. Maybe there's a model number somewhere on there? Here's a photo:

[img]http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/1268/chambersstove0025vt.jpg[/img]

Anyway, this thing needs a cleaning! Did I read somewhere that an ammonia solution is good for degreasing? Should I just use a stiff nylon brush on that enamel?

The cooktop (what's the name for that part, the part that houses the burners?) looks like the enamel has been worn off. Is there a place where I could get it re-enameled?

Another question: The gas had been shut off at the house, and then turned back on when I picked up the utilities. When I got into the house, there was a gas smell. It turns out that there's a pilot light. Is this right? I took everything apart and lit it, but it doesn't seem to actually light the burners. I tried it, but lost my nerve and switch the gas to the burner back off after about ten seconds of no-lighting.

Here's a photo that shows the pilot tubing and the sad state of the cooktop:

[img]http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/6943/chambersstove0036nw.jpg[/img]

One of the burner grates has a leg broken off (there are three instead of four supports). If anyone has a lead on where I could get a repalcement, I'd be interested.

The folding top's hinges (there are three of them) are all missing screws, so that the top is a little unstable and falls over if I fold it completely up. I tried to simply remove the thing, but it's attached by some fourth hinge that goes down into the stovetop I've tied it up with string for now, but it'd be nice to get that working again.

Also, looks like some rust is starting to gain hold inside the oven. Is there something I can do about this? Oven paint or something?
photo:

[img]http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/1740/chambersstove0046hq.jpg[/img]

I've heard of places that will re-enamel a tub or sink. One of these places would work for re-enameling the top, wouldn't it? And I've read about someone gettin the conical burners themselves re-enameled. I wonder if I need to send them to a special oven-knowledgable place or if regular enameling would work? I wouldn't want to plug the jet holes.

Anyway, those are A LOT of questions, answer any that you can. I made eggs on the Chambers this morning. Exciting!

[jonredmond]

I see from your photos that you do have the same door problem and it looks like other stoves on the post have it too. I'm thinking that a small piece if iron screwed on to the door panel would work but the original piece I had on my old stove was nice with "light here" written on it.
Jon

[dgaskamp]

my door has the same little hole on it... The ammonia worked like a champ on the grease..

[Mark_78702]

Hey, so I cleaned a little more last night. I'm pretty sure that mine is a 14-B, but I can't quite 100% tell what is says on the label. The serial number looks to be 99916, or 99918, I believe.

Is there a way to determine what year this stove is?

Also, I got to looking at my stove's pilot light for the stovetop burners, which wasn't working. Looks like there's a small angled tube bit that pokes down into a hole in the burner and redirects gas down the pilot tube to the pilot light. I'm missing two of these.

Does anyone have a source for replacements? Or has anyone come up with a clever way to recreate their function and get the stovetop pilot working again?

[Mark_78702]

Okay, flash tubes. I just found out the name of the part I'm looking for. It's the small bit that mounts on the end of the flash tubes.

Does anyone have two of these that they'd sell?

Also, here's a question. The second to the left knob on my stove doesn't do anything that I can discern. Can someone tell me what it is SUPPOSED to do?

Here's a photo to help clarify which knob I mean.

[img]http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/5456/52chalmersmod0293xf.jpg[/img]

[tux_sf]

Mark-
That handle raises/lowers the aluminum platter that sits in the broiler box so you can bring it closer to/farther from the burner.
--Danny

[fatfutures]

Mark,

If no one here has the flash tubes that you need, let me know (private message). I have a resource that might be able to help you out. They are good for all sorts of misc parts.

Michelle

[stoveman]

For flash tubes, check out hugh at hughsplace.com He has reproduction flash tubes. Expect to pay 10 to 20 bucks each.