I was cruising the coffee machines on ebay the other night and saw this little gem. I suggested to my wife in the way I do when I want something that it would be nice to get a Microcasa lever to restore if I could get it for around the $200 mark. The Semiauto needs a friend I said. "oh all right - just stop whining" she muttered.

Just as she got "oh" out, my finger slipped and before I could say "Semiautomatica" in Latin I sniped myself a Leva.

Picked him up today. It was originally the copper and brass model. I thought of doing it like the chrome and brass version but i don't really like the coating you have to use to stop the brass tarnishing. I have decided to do it in all chrome. Not sure about the wood handles though - might have to get a couple of the black plastic handles from Stefano along with a few other bits.

Chap who had it found it on the hard rubbish .

I'll post the progress pics if anyone's interested.

Congratulations!

I will gladly take any donations of handles, domes or eagles, if you don't want them!

What do you estimate it will cost to have all the parts chrome plated? Plating has gotten very expensive in the U.S. due to stringent EPA regulations.

In the new year I'm going to get some eagles done in bronze. Not sure of the cost yet but should be reasonable. Plating for the whole machine will be around $200.

That will teach me not to follow the bay of evil for a while Some people should be put against a wall for abuse of espresso machines

Depending on where in Melbourne you are http://www.modernplating.com.au/about_us.html also go gold over Chrome. I used to supply them with some gear and they do good work.

I'm quite partial to the way JMC has done his Leva.



I've seen it in the flesh and it's certainly impressive - I just can't see myself having to get the Brasso out on a regular basis. I will have a look at clear coat options but I like the idea of all chrome, side by side Lektra's..Might have a vote on it.

Incidentally, John might like to bring everyone up to speed on how he cunningly converted his Leva into a stove top coffee maker .

Good grief!! Now that's what I call a definite rescue. Have you figured out how old that machine is yet? Give the brass a good polish and the shine will come right back to it, among other things. I spent about an hour on the grouphead pieces and the portafilter and they look great. I just need to spray the pieces with high temperature enamel and let it set. Whatever you do, you'll have a fantastic machine making brilliant espresso for many years to come. Keep the pictures and updates coming and have fun!