1938 Crane Corwith Compeer Lavatory

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I decided to do some maintenance since the sink is not installed yet. What quality, all solid brass. Apparently Newport has some serious calcium issues in their potable water.  The bibb washers are hard as a rock. I ordered 4 new replacements from DEA.

 



 

Boy, I've got more balls up in the air than a division of paratroopers.

 

[ea56]

Louie

the popup drain that you bought should work perfectly with the Crane rod and lever. It’s just what I’d visualized for a replacement. The original rod has a nut for adjustment of the length. I can’t wait to see the pictures of the finished job.

Eddie

 

[askolover]

The only problem with the new pop-up with a plastic ball is that the ball might eventually come loose and move off the rod. That happened to mine. I just had to replace it again. They don't make 'em like they used to!

 

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Well the new bibbs have arrived. Now to soak the valves in CLR.

 

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Surprisingly, CLR warned against using on brass. So tried vinegar instead. Worked well. Still a few flecks of mineral deposits here and there. New bibb has been installed.

 

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[ea56]

Nice work Louie! You’re gonna have this sink up and working just like it was new in 1938.

Eddie

 

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Thanks Eddie!

 

At one point there was a washer between the pop-up lever and the porcelain of the sink. It's long gone. But I found a rubber grommet that with some finagling, would work.

 



 

 

[ea56]

Louie I wondered how you would replace the grommet for the popup drain lever. You know, I’ve seen grommets similar to the original one that are used for between the bottom of the sink and the popup drain. They are really large washers. If the one you are planning to use doesn’t work perhaps you can locate one of these other one. But I think you can make the one you’re planning to use work out. As they say, necessity is the mother of invention. Good luck!

I found one of the kind if gaskets I was referring to on the Home Depot website. Here is the link:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Delta-Bathroom-Sink-Pop-up-Drain-Assembly-Gasket-RP6142/203725347
HTH
Eddie

 

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Thanks Eddie for the link. The grommet I have now is just the right diameter. I'll have to use another one in the rear as well.

 

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Working on the hot water valve. But it's frozen in tight. Trying some Free All. The gasket between the valve and the body of the sink has disintegrated. Once again DEA to the rescue, but boy they're not cheap.

 



 



 

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The hot water valve stem finally came out and it was far worse condition than the cold water one. It had a very thick deposit of dissolved minerals. I used CLR anyway with a wire brush attachment. Bright and shiny now. Now the nuts holding the valve body to the sink are frozen solid. Currently soaking in Free All. 

I found yet another washer that would need to be replaced. This one goes between the stem and the valve body.

 



 



 



 

 

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Can you imagine drinking from this?

 



 

New brass seal rings have been ordered.



 

He looks a bit perturbed.

 

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After a thorough cleaning, still looking perturbed.

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How in the world can you clean this? The mesh is corroded and while intact, it can easily break.

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This is concerning. While the crack is not visible in the back, I decided to use an angle iron in the back as additional support.

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[ea56]

Try Whink Rust Remover on the faucet mesh Louie. It should help you get most or all of the rust off. But if the metal is rusted thorough it may also break off too.

I think your idea of providing extra support by bracing the back of the sink where its cracked is well advised. I’m impressed with your attention to detail and the progress you’re making. Keep up the good work, it will be worth it in the end.

Eddie

Robot or human?

 

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Hey thanks Eddie, I'll give that a try.

 

[luxflairguy]

Interesting to see another one of these sinks in SS this am! Pretty butter yellow. Price seems high though! Greg

 

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I love getting new parts!

 

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This O ring has proven to be difficult to find. The owner of DEA was very helpful. He told me the valves on my Crane are most likely from another brand, not original Crane, hence the issue finding the correct ring. Nevertheless he recommended Rectorseal pipe thread sealant and it would work just fine.

 

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