Or could the aluminium be polished to the point where it would look good without paint? Considering how many different Caravels that are out there with different colors, one with a simple polished look would stand out a bit wouldn't it?

CoffeeBeetle wrote:But wouldn't sanding and painting at home accomplish the same thing? I understand that a autoshop can make it more durable, but wouldn't a proper layer of rust resisting paint done at home be enough for many years?

It could but restoring is about getting back to it's original state...I'd just work my way through the steps, worry about mechanical stuff and basic function first then see how you want it to look.

The original paint would not have been a powder coat, but powder coat will be more durable and cosmetically superior to the original. Originally they would NOT have used a spray can of course, but if you have the knack for it you can do a credible job that way. An automotive touch-up enamel would be a good choice. Avoid dribbles by starting and stopping the spray off of the item and keep it moving. If you get any runs wet sand them off with a very fine sandpaper and recoat. You might want to try it out on something that's not precious to you first.

Oh, paint with a few coats of metal primer first, and wet sand that till very smooth. It must be compatible with what you're using for a final coat.

Also, make sure you keep the nozzles clear...finish off with a brief upside down spray through the nozzle to clear it before you put it away.

This is not the best way, but if you want to minimize expense and just get the machine making espresso again, it can work.

How i will paint the machine will have to wait. I just gave it another go at getting the element out of the machine and it's completely rusted in there. I removed the wire that goes in the outlet and the black thing that connects all the wires at the base of the machine(don't know its correct name). I would like to remove the power light as well, but it feels a bit delicate and i fear that trying to push it out will break it. I've tried using brute force to remove the screws but it seems that i'm getting closer and closer to stripping them, so i will have to try something else. Is it possible to either soak most of the machine in penetrating oil, or use some kind of paste that will stay on the screws? I don't see any other solution since i can't soak just the screws in penetrating oil.

CoffeeBeetle wrote:Or could the aluminium be polished to the point where it would look good without paint? Considering how many different Caravels that are out there with different colors, one with a simple polished look would stand out a bit wouldn't it?

Like this? Pimp my arrarex

I really think that Caravel looks amazing and it was something like that i had in mind. Thanks for sharing that post Summer and great to see that you are on HB as well as EB
Making the machine look good will have to wait until i fixed the element. Does anyone know a site where you can buy most of the replacement parts for the Caravel? I've found things like PF and spare handles but nut the screws for the element or the light on the front.

Brooks has quite a few parts, including new elements.

As far as the bolts and such that are stubbornly in place, all you can do is be patient and keep at it. You can buy a heat gun or torch and apply heat. Or just keep trying to wiggle them, tap, etc until they break free. I had one on the bottom of a VAM that I was able to get out quickly with an EZ-Out, although those things fail as often as they work. The front light housing does unscrew apart and then the whole thing just slides out.

I was hoping to find a supplier in Europe or it's going to get expensive.
I will buy myself a small torch and see if i can get the screws out. The big problem is probably going to be the handles for both the lever and the PF. If the only supplier of them is in the US then having someone make a simple one might end up being cheaper than paying for shipping and import.
In the thread that summer linked it was suggested that a small power tool would make sanding and polishing the body a lot easier and quicker. Does anyone know what kind of tool would be suitable for this kind of job? Are we talking something small or is a larger tool required?

You can try http://www.francescoceccarelli.eu/arrarex_eng.htm

Francesco is both knowledgeable and provides an array of restoration parts. I'v ordered from him 3 times now.

I bought a replica portafilter handle from Brooks awhile back and am satisfied with it.