Havent done much with the machine for awhile. Ive had someone who knows about electricity to look at the problem and it turns out that one of the group switches (the black round ones not the red illuminated switches) is buggered. These work by turning to determine shot time and pushes in to start. Anyway by disconnecting the power to this switch everything works as intended (except the group that it governs).
Anyway I've stripped the machine down and in the process of soaking it in citric acid.
The frame has been sandblasted and powdercoated.
A couple of shots of how dirty and weathered it was:




And after powdercoating:

Persevere. Your progress with and color choice for the chassis look great. La Cimbali machines are particularly well designed, and very robust. You'll be glad you restored it. Nice work!

Bryce,

Nice work! Like the color of the frame. I know all to well how involved the process can be. But it's looking good!

Mike