JC Higgins Restoration (US Divers Mistral)

[Andre171]

Recently I got an JC Higgins Aqua-Air-Lung from eBay for 50€. I just noticed the C-Clips on the auction's photos. Since I allways wanted a "Sea Hunt" aera double hose regulator and a classic Mistral single stage ventouri one - I got both in one regulator - in Germany.

The JC Higgins is in original shape with all original parts. After first rinsing in soap water (plain Marseille soap) I opened the cans and was surprised about the good contition.

Of course all rubber parts are rotten (production between 1956-1958). I allready made an order at The Scuba Museum - even their prices are not high, the sher amount of needed parts is 5-fold of what I paid at eBay.

Here I want to present this restauration project and hoping for good comments and input for improvement. The aim is a best condition diveable regulator.

Previously I owned and dived the Medi Hydromat and the Dräger Duomat. I own a Nemrod Snark III but thats one for the vitrine only.

 

[Andre171]

Basic Plan:

• cleaning, take appart, cleaning, polishing
• rebuilt the valve
  • replacement of high pressure seat with new reproduction
  • service kit
  • new sinterfilter
  • 300 bar DIN connector instead the short yoke (Part from the old Mares MR12, new reproduction from Italy)
• rebuilt the cans
  • stripping the old paint
  • primer, paint (petrol), clear coat (all: spray cams by Edding)
  • stainless steel bandclamp instead C-clips
  • DIY label sticker (close to original or something like "Voit by US Divers. MISTRAL)
  • new silicone diaphragm in grey
  • new silicone duckbill (conventional installation or as original?)
• new silicon breathing loop
  • grey silicon hoses
  • grey Voit hour-glass mouthpiece (not quite original, but beautiful)
  • new wagon wheels with silicon valves
  • wide black zip-ties with some rubber protection againt the silicone hose

 

[Andre171]

Here the soap soaking and first impression after opening the cans:

 

[Andre171]

Valve cleaned and polished (with several repeadings...). Some chrome dissapeared. Parts that gonna be replaced by the rebuilt kit a in the zip bag as spare parts.

Paint stripper is working, but needs time and repeadings.