I'm looking for suggestions for spare parts for my Gaggia Espanola lever machine. Specifically, I have an immediate need for piston seals and portafilter gasket. I've tried my usual sources, OE and SRE, but, not having any success. Also, sent a request to Ascaso, but, they haven't responded. I have a suspicion they may be wholesale only? Oh, several years ago I tried Quality Espresso, but, they only had parts for their newer machines; mine is circa 1977.

I have had success sourcing Ascaso parts for vintage machines from Heritage Parts. There is also some French website I haven't used but have heard good things about. I'll update this post with the links when I find them.

Hi Bill!

Maybe Paul Pratt (http://www.cafelat.com/) and/or Francesco Ceccarelli (http://www.francescoceccarelli.eu/contatti_eng.htm) can help you finding those seals. When are you going to show additional pictures of your "lady" (Spaniard Gaggia Compacta)?

Hope you are doing great!

Javier

dominico wrote:I have had success sourcing Ascaso parts for vintage machines from Heritage Parts. There is also some French website I haven't used but have heard good things about. I'll update this post with the links when I find them.

Thanks, Dominick, I appreciate the lead and will contact Heritage Parts asap.
Bill

Javier wrote:Hi Bill!

Maybe Paul Pratt (http://www.cafelat.com/) and/or Francesco Ceccarelli (http://www.francescoceccarelli.eu/contatti_eng.htm) can help you finding those seals. When are you going to show additional pictures of your "lady" (Spaniard Gaggia Compacta)?

Hope you are doing great!

Javier

Hi Javier'
Thanks for the lead to Francesco; I'll contact him! Yes, Paul Pratt has helped me before. I'd just forgotten.
Bill
P.S. There's a photo of the Gaggia on page 2 of the Lever Espresso Machine Gallery. I'll shoot some more photos of the inside and post them when I shut it down to replace the seals.

Update: I got a call from the parts guy at SRE and am heading over there tomorrow. They're located in Arlington, TX, about 30 min. from me. Unfortunately, he didn't think he had any seals for the Gaggia, but, it's worth a half hour drive to find out for sure. I've already pulled the piston assembly out and taking it with me. The owner, Domenic, has been around these machines a long time so hopefully I can talk to him.

The French site I was talking about is http://www.eevad.com. Just in case SRE can't help you out, but with a name like Domenic I'm sure he's got it covered!

I purchased gaskets for the Spanish Gaggia that I used to have from Fracino in Britain. Excellent source and service.

Fracino Ltd (UK) purchased Gaggia UK Ltd in 1972, so they've got a history and inventory of parts for Gaggia.

Try also nuovaricambi.de ? They sell to anyone.

Good news! After looking all over the world, I found the seals a half hour drive from my house. Yep, SRE in Arlington had the seals when I went there today. The new parts guy, Francisco, was very helpful. If you're looking for anything for an older machine, try calling him at 817-652-6826. I suspect they have stuff they don't even know they have. If I can help by running over there, I'm glad to do it. Just let me know. Their website, http://www.sreweb.com, is not very user friendly.
Thanks to everyone that sent suggestions where I might find parts. I've made notes for next time when I might not be so lucky!