Vintage Windmill and Wind Generator Forum

For the bonnet and bullet holes, you might try JB weld unless you’re good at welding thin metal. I’m sure others will have better recommendations.

Michael , i agree with your repair method .

Mike - Thank you.

I’ve also seen the “top hat” method where a piece of thin sheet metal is placed on top of the bonnet top, for when a bonnet had rust on its flat top.

The thing with JB weld, you can use it on the inside and outside of the bonnet. Then mask your repair efforts with cold galvanizing paint and if you desire a little patina on that bonnet, lightly add a little rust colored paint after that cold galvanizing paint.

Thankyou for the suggestion of JB weld. With a little bit of screen meshed in it it should keep out some weather.
Do you just tap bull it holes in sails flat or fill them, or does it matter?

Whatever keeps the elements out (referring to patching the bonnet) or to your preference.

Jerry , you had asked if bullet holes in the tail should be hammered flat or just filled ? the answer is neither .
if you look back far enough you will come accross a very lengthy conversation about the "patina " especially on the tail , that is history so dont try to hide it , but then again it is your windmill . Ask Windy about the easter egg painted windmill .

Thanks for the answers
I am leaning towards leaving everything weathered. I do like to see the old windmills still standing; better when i see them working.
Anyone have any thoughts on dating the Beatty hand pump?

You can braze the helmet hole, but it burns the galvanize. But it lasts forever. No sure the life of JB Weld. I beat the holes down on mills. If you ever get you hand or leg up against a moving bullet hole backside, you would do the same.

I used the KISS method on my Dempster , (keep it supper simple ) JB Weld

You can also solder helmets.