Looking for suggestions on how to restore a hump-back chest.
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The chest is covered in leather with metal straps. The interior has an ugly vinyl material tacked on (I want to get rid of it). The latch is bent - I know I'll have to replace that- need some suggestions on where I can find a replacement. The leather handles on either end are basically gone.
The latch is bent beyond repair.
The leather is crumbling off.
15 answers
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What a nice find! Here are some links to sites selling trunk replacement parts. https://www.google.com/search?q=trunk+restoration+hardware+parts&oq=trunk+restoration+hardware+parts&aqs=chrome..69i57.7469j0j7&sourceid=chrome&espv=210&es_sm=122&ie=UTF-8
Valeria Blackburn
on Mar 16, 2014
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The vinyl inside can be replaced by fabric. Use spray adhesive then the upholstery tacks around the inside edge. On the outside leather, glue down the edges. Maybe someone else would have an idea for patching the leather. My only idea is to patch with leather the same color or patch, fill cracks, and paint the leather.
Kathy
on Mar 16, 2014
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Thanks for the website info. Didn't even think to look online for replacement parts. The leather is pretty dry-rotted. I've been undecided about whether to take it all off and replace it or finish it differently.
Linda Woolever
on Mar 16, 2014
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You don't actually have to redo the outside. I have a chest like this that belonged to my great grandfather and I didn't do anything but give the outside a good cleaning and it is a gem as is.
Shelley
on Mar 18, 2014
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I also just cleaned-up the outside and use it as is. Mine had leather belts securing it and I had to remove the remains, but the brass holders and buckles remain. It give the trunk style.
Barbara
on Mar 18, 2014
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My great aunt and uncle used to refinish trunks. They brought me to their home for a week when I was in 4H in the early 1980's so I could refinish a trunk I'd bought on an auction for a project. In essence, if they could refinish something while it was still attached to the trunk, they did it that way. If it had to be removed to be repaired or replaced, they did it that way. As for the leather, my uncle Carroll would buy old belts of different thicknesses and repair the leather parts with that. They used an enamel paint if they were painting the outside. For the inside, they ALWAYS went with wallpaper. They found that it would stick a lot easier than material, and it was more along the lines of what was originally found in trunks. Uncle Carroll also crafted an interior shelf thing that would have been in the trunk originally, but was not in my trunk. And the trunk I refinished? Everything is holding together 30 years later with no additional repairs needed.
Melanie T
on Mar 18, 2014
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@Linda Woolever TANDY LEATHER STILL SELLS NICE LEATHER PIECES. I WOULD REMOVE IT AND REPLACE IT.
Betty Basche
on Mar 18, 2014
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Thanks for all the advice! @Melanie T , I think I'll follow your advice about how your great aunt & uncle refurbished them. I think if I just clean it up, replace the lock and leather handles, and redo the inside I'll be happy with it.
Linda Woolever
on Mar 18, 2014
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There is an interesting history of trunks. A flat top trunk belonged to a person of ordinary social status. The rounded(hump) trunks were for the upper rank and were to be put on the top of the stack when traveling. I do hope you get this redone and post some pix. I am very excited for you and from the looks of the feed back, there is a lot of interest in this.
Diane B
on Mar 19, 2014
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That is interesting - I had no idea that the humps indicated social status. I got this trunk at an antique auction over 20 years ago, (paid $60 for it). I also have another trunk that my great-uncle used during WWI. My mom painted it with an antique look, but I personally don't care for how it looks. It's a smaller all wood trunk and it's also got a hump and a built in shelf on one end. I want to repaint it, but haven't decided on color. I'm leaning toward a distressed look though.
Linda Woolever
on Mar 19, 2014
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F
Janel
on Mar 19, 2014
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Van Dykes Restorers has everything you need to refurbish
Donna
on Mar 20, 2014
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When I find an old trunk for refinishing, and the handles are gone, I go to the second hand store and find a very old belt and cut it to size to replace the old one. works great!
Jan Watson
on Aug 16, 2014
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We have one almost identical to yours, belonged to hubby's grandfather. Hubby painted it mainly a subdued black and did the metal pieces in gold. I wish I could show you a photo but it's in storage at the moment. Gotten many compliments on it!! The handles are gone, also, on ours and we never bothered to replace them. Good luck!
Irishwin
on Aug 16, 2014
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Im getting ready to work on one these now. Im stripping the paint (mines painted) :( Ive been told to get old belts to replace the leather. Im planning on material on the inside.
DEBBIE L HILL
on Aug 17, 2014
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