I painted up the red Vortex base with dark grey hammered paint ready to fit a painted up cover. The paint turned out to be a perfect matching shade of dark grey to the original paint despite the cap suggesting it was quite a bit blacker. The yellow line traces how much metal was worn away before I filled it with epoxy putty (pictured). It's good stuff easier to knead than the Selleys stuff. Don't buy it at SCA or Auto Barn as they want $23 for it. I paid $7.00 at Aldi! Wish I bought more. It sets very hard and bonds to whatever you attach it to. I also straightened the slightly bent in front apron section using a hammer and metal rod (old Victa rear flap hinge rod) while resting the front on a piece of wood. One I clean it, and silver up the handles, it'll look almost restored to the casual eye. This is just a light refresh for regular use.
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
