JohnB. wrote:Channel lock pliers will work to remove Heyco strain reliefs & won't damage the fitting.

+1

Just used the channel lock on the strain relief. It was a bit of a struggle but it came out without damage.

The proper tool would no doubt be easier, but for a one shot deal, the channel lock will do the job.

Sort of off-topic, but what kind of glue would you use to reattach the manufacturer's face plates back on?

I think I'm throwing in the towel on the frame removal. It doesn't seem like it's worth the trouble at this point - the boiler will be fine with an in-situ (that phrase applies, right?) descale as it's in very good condition.

I'm rebuilding the group as we speak.

Likely we should all be cheering you on and encouraging you to pursue that stripped bolt until things really go downhill, you know, you can do it!! etc....but since you have that strain relief and cord out why not just mask the boiler and feet really neatly with some blue tape and rattle can the frame to cover the rust (after you wipe it down with solvent to remove the penetrating oil etc). Rustoleum black hammertone has a nice fine texture finish and some of the engine enamels look good as well. Not a frame off job but would likely satisfy the visual needs.

Unfortunately this one was too easy to leave until later. The machine has been back together since a day or so after my last post in this thread. The big Elektra usually takes on the daily morning rush (my three rapidfire shots), but the occasional manual shot has been lots of fun - in fact, I just had one for dessert (didn't swallow the coffee, though). Conveniently, the same grind setting works for both the Elektra and the Cremina, but I still have a lot to learn about temperature management (and not being afraid to pull the cup away if blonding starts before the lever reaches the bottom).

Oh, and by the way, for the "I need a perfect tamper fit" crowd: I'm successfully preparing the 49mm baskets with my 45mm PV tamper (NESW).

Thanks for everyone's replies here - I'll be referring back to this thread when I decide to open the machine up again.

p.s. You know that gasket hidden behind the c-clip at the top of the group that I didn't bother opening up? I guess I should have opened up that c-clip, because now I have this extra gasket that I can't do anything with. Why the heck didn't I read that part of the couldn't-be-clearer OE website instructions?