Lincoln Fleetweld 200

[lstilts]

A relative has given me an old rusty welder that has been in a barn with a dirt floor for over 20 years. It is a Lincoln Fleetweld 200.This welder still works & has the metal plate with the serial & code numbers on it. Any thought on if this welder is good, bad, worth restoring or just scrap metal? The dial is rusted to the point that you can't read it, but as I mentioned it does weld. I know it is an AC welder & I don't have one so maybe it would be a good addition to my mig & DC welder. Any opinions about this? How can I tell the age of this welder?

[ccawgc]

Post the serial number here and I will look it up. should be able to tell what year.
Take the code number to lincoln's web site and there is a good chance you can still get the owners manual.

[lstilts]

Thanks for the reply, It is a Fleetwelder serial # is AC23312, & the code is 1716C. I attached a photo.

[lstilts]

Here's some other old metal working equipment that was in the barn as well.

[ccawgc]

first quarter 1951
Looks like you need a line switch. The part number is S7670. Available anywhere that sells Lincoln welders. One of the few parts you can get new for the welder.
The owners manual with parts is available from Lincoln to download.
You are not going to find a better AC welder. Even new. The design is very similar to the idealarc 250
Kill the rust and paint her up. Should make a nice welder.

[lstilts]

Thanks very much for the info. My brother guessed it was made in the 50's. I like finding old, rusty things that still work. I did find the owner's manual last night. I tried the welder with a 6013 rod on some scrap flat stock & it welds great. I will get a new switch for it soon. One thing is for sure, it's hard to beat the price. It has good leads & ends, so all I need is to sandblast & paint. Was this welder red when it was new?

[ccawgc]

Do not know. might have been grey.
You can try contacting Lincoln and asking them.

[lstilts]

Now the work begins. One thing is for sure, this old boy is HEAVY!

[ccawgc]

I think I would get some rust seal. It is a paint and rust killer all in one.
Put some oil on things that move. Seal in the rust. Don't move thinks around
a lot. Rust seal will turn black as it converts the rust.
You can use the same stuff on the covers. but after light sanding.
It makes a very good base primer.
You will have to go to a auto paint supply store to get it.