Thanks for all the info guys. I'm happy to say that the machine looked great in person so I am now the proud new owner. I think I got a good deal, at least I hope so being a grad student!

The group head was rebuild recently and everything else was in quite good condition and a sample espresso tasted nice. I was also able to pick up the matching Pavoni grinder (I believe a rebranded Bregant...nope turns out it's a rebranded Anfim Best!). It needs a new pin to fix the doser but the burrs are still decent and it's overall in good condition as well. I hope to take some pics soon to share for anyone who is interested.

Okay, so here we go. I picked up the machine and grinder over the weekend but ended up staying out of town so I wasn't able to take any pictures until getting home today. I've been lurking on the forum for a while and cannot begin to thank all the contributors, especially those who have photo documented their repairs, rebuilds, and resuscitations. I've learned a lot which has helped me to gain a small bit of comfort as I begin this project. So, here begins my journey. This is my first real espresso machine (no more steam toys for me!). I feel pretty fortunate to have found a vintage machine in decent condition. I'm reasonably handy but don't have near the tools I've seen in some of the rebuild threads. Working on the dining table in my apartment, we'll have to see how far I can get!

Since this is the lever forum I'll just say a few words about the rebranded Anfim Best. Overall the grinder seems to be in good shape but needs a thorough cleaning. The motor runs well and the burrs still seem okay (although I'll know for sure once I get it all cleaned and can grind some beans). The doser isn't functional and I'm not sure if I want to fix it or just convert to doserless. It appears the grinder was re-painted as the colour doesn't quite match the orange of the Eurobar. I will probably have to re-re-paint so it matches. The first thing my partner said when she saw the Eurobar was "Oh, it's orange." I dig the vintage colour though.




Anyway, on to the machine which I'm sure you're all more interested in. It came with what appears to be the original stainless drip tray and grate as well as cover. I couldn't wait to start taking her apart when I got home before realizing I should take some photos. Rather than put everything back together here's a look with the lever already removed.





The lever has a bit of rust because of some rusty clips. Not sure what the best course of action is here so any suggestions are welcome.

Taking the lid off the internals look pretty solid. No sign of leaks. Copper lines and I believe a brass boiler. I used a little flashlight to peek inside the boiler it actually appears to be in good shape. A bit of scale but not too bad at all. I'll certainly give it a good citric acid soak though. I'll have to pick up a siphon tomorrow so I can properly drain the boiler without resorting to running things through the water tap or trying to turn everything upside down (not even a remote consideration!).

No problems with the steam or water valves. The steam arm could use a cleaning so that's on the list. The sight glass is a bit dirty but functional. I'm thinking that running some detergent through should help. I'll probably avoid trying to remove it for a manual scrub for fear of breaking it.



It was tough getting the feed line to the group loosened (just awkward to get at it with a wrench) but I finally succeeded. Any advice for separating the brass fitting from the group head? I figure I should probably disassemble completely to give it a good clean....or is this a bad idea? Advice would be appreciated.



And that brings us to the sorely neglected portafilter and group. Looks like they'll need a good detergent soak and scrub. Fortunately, the person who sold it to me rebuilt the group so I shouldn't have to replace any seals or gaskets...unfortunately they didn't care to clean her up at the time. I think I'll need to get a new clip as the one in there looks to be rusted out (same with the ones holding the lever pins).




And a few more pictures just to round things out. More pictures to come as the project moves forward.