Rebuilding the Oly twins... a saga - Page 2

[mogogear]

Well for those of you following, I have finally sourced some much needed parts. A HUGE thank-you goes out to Will at Home Espresso Repair in Seattle. I have given him accolades before but he is a great guy who really goes out of his way to keep lever machines ( and others) doing what they were intended to do! It always shows me that you can do very little on your own- it always takes other people and relationships to accomplish much of what I ever attempt.

So I rechecked the pricing on my Brass smith for rebuilding the groupheads ( $55 each to refill the worn slots and pin holes in the lever forks. I spoke with the technician and he was as excited as I was to have something fun and creative to look forward to. They estimated a 3 day turn around. (This brass smith is another serendipitous find!)

Powder coating is still $50 for both colored boiler surrounds- I will ask for some input or voting on a good color later. I hope to keep one of these machines and the other will eventually go to another OLY Appreciator! The powder coating folks estimate a 7 day turn around... they do a ton of bike frames- the pedaling kind......

Re-chrome job was estimated at $50 per grouphead( I hope to get the PF, spouts and levers included! This is a two stage job- remember that they have to strip the chrome off- then the brass work is done- then they re-plate. 2-3 days on each end is expected.

This should all get me some back to original groupheads and lever forks for about $210 or so. That is not bad.

One great note is that the site glass I got from Will at H.E.R. is the original blue stripe ! Small victories.

So I look forward to showing you how the stripped groups look soon, before they go to visit the brass man!

[espressme]

Hi Greg,
Most many happy felicitations and congratulations!
I was a bit worried there for a while!
Thanks for the update!
sincerely
richard / espressme

[TUS172]

It must feel great to once again be progressing on the Oly Twins... I hate leaving projects on the bench especially when it is due to lack of parts.

[mogogear]

On a personal admission - but one to be told so it helps others- You may or may not remember that I had a element heating problem a while back on one of the Cremina's. I was sure that it was because I had miss-wired ... I finally changed elements and the problem was solved....

I jumped to a stupid conclusion..... I just put a new battery in my Ohm meter and see that the element checks out perfect- it is the thermostat that was bad....... Slow down Greg unless you just like to spend money on parts......

So I am going to try out the closest thing I can find to an Olympia 130C thermostat-which I cannot get ... A La Pavoni 127C Thermostat I found at Stefanos Espresso repair on Southern Oregon.. $12.50 . I sure hope it fits, cause the price is right.

[mogogear]

Wow, the trip to the chrome people revealed that pricing had increased since December. Each head was estimated at $85 each for stripping -prep for re-plating- finally re-plating

The lever forks alone were $25 each... I did have a comparison with Doug ( fullsack) comparing to Nickel...... I may let him share when he is ready...

So here are the "stripped " bare - naked heads if you will... They kind of remind me of rock outcroppings with various colored spring lichen growing instead of raw brass...

First a reminder of the worn chrome head






Post chemical dip




Note the small area on the head. The Chrome-man buffed that out for me to demonstrate "visually" to me the prep his staff would have to do to the stripped head, to be ready to put the chrome back on. Actually, if you could see down to a closer resolution - he noted that fine emory cloth would be called for to eliminate the tiny pits that cover the polished area after detailed polishing - a result of the caustic chemical dip that removes the old chrome. Most of the $85 per head is labor to prep the re-chrome step! I had offered to prep my own heads to save money- never mind......

[peacecup]

Why not go wtih a "Custon Brass Grouphead" Cremina - might raise the stakes in the Cremina record books, and save a little $$$!

PC

[mogogear]

Jack, That might be a good option if they didn't now have to go visit the Brass Man! He is going to apply some heat and brass fillings to the slots in the heads and the pin openings in the forks - so the nice continuous brass may not be very visually appealing after time with the "TORCH" . BTW - the stripping step took about a week at the Oregon Plating shop.

We will all soon see what they look like after the next step... off to Mac's Radiator- it just sounds weird to say that in reference to a Swiss espresso machine rebuild................... I guess it takes a whole village-- never mind

[Fullsack]

The lever forks alone were $25 each... I did have a comparison with Doug ( fullsack) comparing to Nickel...... I may let him share when he is ready...

I think the quote for all of the brite work was $385. I'll double check and post some pics next week, after I get back from Rome.

http://www.home-barista.com/forum...so-bars-t3690.html

[mogogear]

Wow! A fast turn around from Ken at Mac's Radiator-

Ken makes custom cooling tanks and systems for custom motorcycle builders as well as airplanes, boats etc. That was about a 24 hour period.

He was easy to deal with and the two heads lever pin slots and the rear pin hole on one of the forks cost $110 to re-build. He did say that doing a perfect milling job to modify the new brass he layed in was difficult because of the aged hardness of the original and the comparative softness of the new material. The milling tool "liked" the soft stuff and was hard to control. A Perfect job -No- but he did restore back to original specs by 80%- A win compared to replacing with new heads if they could be found. I am not sure if the old style is available through Olympia-

Here is a shot before they go back to Oregon Plating






So once again just to compare - here were the parts prior to the "slot rebuilding"



So back we go on Monday to polishing and chroming............

[just a drip]

A new poster here. I've restored a mid-70s Pavoni that gets daily use and just recently aquired locally, an '84 Cremina in very good shape that's sat unused for the last decade. I don't think the machine has ever been serviced but, thanks to very low use, it still pulls a nice shot after just a cleaning and de-scaling. I visited Home Espresso Repair, who happen to be on my way to work, and was told, gasket kits were no longer available so they now fit Pavoni piston gaskets with shims. An inquiry to 1st Line, the supposed Olympia distributor, revealed they have no parts and aren't selling new machines. I was told they hope to have that rectified by the end of the summer. They would not elaborate as to whether that was a problem Olympia or just their relationship. H.E.R. just said "Oly won't sell us parts because they want you to buy a new machine" If that's true, who's going to buy a machine built to last decades if not centuries when maintenance parts aren't around?

An e-mail to Olympia from two weeks ago remains unanswered. Has anyone else ordered parts directly from Switzerland this year? It would be unfortunate if original seals and parts weren't available for these machines.

Any other updates on the health of Olympia would be interesting.

[mogogear]

Welcome to the forum.... Many of the points you raise are valid for many of the machines owned by LMWDP members and are not exclusive to our Olympia machines. We somehow gravitate towards older and in many cases barely viable espresso machines. Caravels, Zerowatts, Faema's, old Gaggia's and old Bezzera's are not easy to find parts , or even have diagrams. That is why in some part how we banded together. Last year or was it begun in 2005, when Steve Robinson first showed how the Cremina's worked ,and showed many how they were put together- the communal aspect of this forum really came together. We share parts options, fixes and information, parts and have even been know to loan machines on a rare day.

Many companies go through ups and downs in the their business cycle. The D.I.Y. aspect our our lever machine collection may detract from Olympia's core mission - to sell handmade machines. Not keep us individuals supplied with small parts orders. I am sure they intended to supply a distributor network. Things change so I am sure they will adapt. We all hope they are able to catch the wind again - with such a well made machine - I am sure they will get caught back up soon.

Until then we all will be sure to include you in what we poor souls know on hopefully what ever machine you choose. Lucky you to have such a nice 1984 Cremina- I was not that lucky. And If I can get these two up and running and delivering great espresso shots- there is hope for anyone-- except those TOO LUCKY people that somehow find Cremina's in their parents basements --Grrrrrrrrrr - If I could be so lucky.......

Again Welcome to the herd- we look forward to your input

[Cathi]

there is hope for anyone-- except those people that somehow find Cremina's in their parents basements --Grrrrrrrrrr

Lucky SOB's (sigh). Just think of all the spare change we'd have laying around ........

Hmmm, think if I clean out my garage I might find a vintage automobile? No tellin'.

[TUS172]

just a drip wrote:

An e-mail to Olympia from two weeks ago remains unanswered. Has anyone else ordered parts directly from Switzerland this year? It would be unfortunate if original seals and parts weren't available for these machines.

I ordered parts in the end of February. I did get a confirmation from Markus that the order was received and I did send Olympia my credit card info. That was the last I have heard. But I am patient and am willing to have faith that I will eventually be charged and receive the parts I ordered. I don't seem to have many choices anyway.
With the resourcefulness of others on this site I also have faith that seals, gaskets, switches, screens and orings may all be eventually found to fix our elderly Creminas. My fear is that when Heating elements begin to give out, is the cost of repair elevating too high (that is if a heating element coil could be brazed in after jumping through enough hoops).

[Fullsack]

Welcome to the forum.... Many of the points you raise are valid for many of the machines owned by LMWDP members and are not exclusive to our Olympia machines. We somehow gravitate towards older and in many cases barely viable espresso machines. Caravels, Zerowatts, Faema's, old Gaggia's and old Bezzera's are not easy to find parts , or even have diagrams. That is why in some part how we banded together. Last year or was it begun in 2005, when Steve Robinson first showed how the Cremina's worked ,and showed many how they were put together- the communal aspect of this forum really came together. We share parts options, fixes and information, parts and have even been know to loan machines on a rare day.

Many companies go through ups and downs in the their business cycle. The D.I.Y. aspect our our lever machine collection may detract from Olympia's core mission - to sell handmade machines. Not keep us individuals supplied with small parts orders. I am sure they intended to supply a distributor network. Things change so I am sure they will adapt. We all hope they are able to catch the wind again - with such a well made machine - I am sure they will get caught back up soon.

Until then we all will be sure to include you in what we poor souls know on hopefully what ever machine you choose. Lucky you to have such a nice 1984 Cremina- I was not that lucky. And If I can get these two up and running and delivering great espresso shots- there is hope for anyone-- except those TOO LUCKY people that somehow find Cremina's in their parents basements --Grrrrrrrrrr - If I could be so lucky.......

Again Welcome to the herd- we look forward to your input

Greg,
Great summary!
I'd add that another accomplishment of this forum has been to publicly extol the virtues of these fine machines thereby enhancing their reputation and the value of ther brands. This helps companies like Olympia achieve their core mission.

BTW: nice job on the grouphead rebuild.

[mogogear]

Thanks- I will delay the acceptance of the thanks till the groups are all finished...................

[TUS172]

Soooo Greg,
Once you have finished the 'twins'... What is the decision going to be? You are obviously investing a whole lot of time, effort and $$$ to rebuild what will be very solid machines. Hmmmm... Just how could you someday eventually perhaps, maybe...recoup some of those $$$? I got it, there is always...Ebay!
Of course I have no room to talk or suggest... If I purchased 2 Creminas from the "Abuse Shelter" as you have and then restored them to their former beauty and functionality, I would be hard pressed to even consider such a sale. Heck I got a Cremina that still needs parts (Tray, portafilter, lever) sitting on my kitchen counter.
Thanks for the posts, pictures and updates... I can't wait to see the first shots these guys produce.

[timo888]

http://www.niemoeller.de/englisch/

[mogogear]

Soooo Greg,
Once you have finished the 'twins'... What is the decision going to be? You are obviously investing a whole lot of time, effort and $$$ to rebuild what will be very solid machines. Hmmmm... Just how could you someday eventually perhaps, maybe...recoup some of those $$$? I got it, there is always...Ebay! ........

Bob,
Both are going to get some basic modifications done- new powder coated bodies, new power cords & moved to the rear of the machines, I am working on site-glass reflectors to go behind the site tubes, and of course the extensive group-head work. Note: the 1981 also had the Asbestos removed. The newer one is destined for some yet to be revealed modifications and eventually be hidden in a box in the basement for my daughter to blog about in 30 years....." I found a box today..." The 81 will no doubt go to the adoption block. But this is now and that is in the future.

There is much work to do

As in go to the Chrome shop today! The groups will be there a couple of weeks -I think

[TUS172]

Greg wrote:

The newer one is destined for some yet to be revealed modifications and eventually be hidden in a box in the basement for my daughter to blog about in 30 years....."

What a spectacularly unique idea. With a few spare parts for future generations and a special clause in the will about upkeep and abuse issues... perhaps even a DVD(whatever media is appropriate) to show proper care and use.
Lets see two kids... two Creminas... works for me! My daughter and son-in-law would definitely appreciate one of my Creminas.
My son (18 ) is still more partial to Bottled... Very Highly Sweetened... Highly Carbonated... High Caffiene drinks but I already got him hooked on Caps... Weekend family ritual.
Of course mine won't be boxed but hopefully remain in use to the day of my demise, but the idea is great.
You know Greg I may just do something like that.

[mrgnomer]

About the spare parts for Cremina's I'm pretty sure atleast the top piston gasket on mine needs replacing but I'd like to find the gasket kit and do a complete overhaul. Mine is old but in very good condition.

I was thinking, as a treatment, I could find a food grade silcone lubricant that's water insoluable and also capable of restoring and sealing in a high heat, high vacuum environment. I found something that was perfect but the shipping charges on a $7 tube of the stuff would have been around $50. Too much. Can't find the link for it right now.

I got something out of California that seems to be o.k. Minimum order was $15 with a shipping charge of $8 USPS to Canada. Much more reasonable. It's in a syringe format. Bostik© N-S WT White Food Grade. No problems dealing with the company and the service was very good. Order has just been filled. Waiting on delivery.

http://www.aeroconsystems.com/Hillson/hillson.htm#types

What do guys think, though? Gaskets dry out over time and if they're totally gone, I guess they're gone, but if they're just dry you can restore them with the proper lube and it would save replacement. If that lube also acts as a sealant, so much the better.

I've used silcone spray on the rubber gasket around my car window when it started drying out and sticking and it didn't just act as a very good lubricant it also reconditioned the rubber.