I just saw a regular La Peppina go for US$385. I love mine, but They have a super Peppina listed for $599 BIN
Thank the coffee gods there are parts available.

I hate to admit it, but me again. Not the kind of record I like to set. I made the first bid and set a fairly high top figure The second bidder pushed the price up that high. It was just a few dollars short of my maxium. I didn't even watch this time.

I wasn't interested in the Termomatica.

Fullsack wrote:I hate to admit it, but me again. Not the kind of record I like to set. I made the first bid and set a fairly high top figure The second bidder pushed the price up that high. It was just a few dollars short of my maxium. I didn't even watch this time.
I wasn't interested in the Termomatica.

Congratulations! I believe the price won't matter after you pull your first "godshot"!:)
sincerely
richard

Got a bigger project than I anticipated. Two days of Cafiza soaking and the limescale hasn't budged, the grouphead section is frozen to the base and Timo is out of seals. This may be some kind of record alright

Fullsack wrote:Got a bigger project than I anticipated. Two days of Cafiza soaking and the limescale hasn't budged, the grouphead section is frozen to the base and Timo is out of seals. This may be some kind of record alright

Ooowch!
You are not lost!
Actually Cafiza is a strong detergent and you will need Citric acid { edit: Commercial scale remover, or white vinegar, don't leave in warm solutions over an hour or two- old plating can come adrift }to dissolve the scale. Those bases are very tight. I found that I had to place a wood block in the drip tray and then I used a big clamp over it and the base onto my workbench. I did that for both dis-assembly and re-assembly.The base needs a large common ( straight blade ) screwdriver tapped gently into the slot to spread it just enough to allow it {edit: the group }to twist easily and then pull up to get {it}the group out. Use a helper after both the little set screw in front and the big bolt in back are removed. Then twist the group.
Good luck.
There are all parts but groups available at this place
The machines are worth the time.
Things do get better!
richard
PS. Timmo also may have some suggestions.
PS tried to clear up the language a bit

It has been a while since I took one apart. If memory serves: with the screwdriver blade wedged in the gap, I twisted the group out from the base while holding the lever down ...

Regards
Timo

espressme wrote:... don't leave in warm solutions over an hour or two- old plating can come adrift

Looks like a previous owner already made that mistake, not sure where to go from here

Fullsack wrote:Looks like a previous owner already made that mistake, not sure where to go from here

I used a stiff bristle brush, The best would be a ½" tin handle paint brush with brass bristles like the ones radiator repair shops use to prep for soldering. The inside plating on these was never the best! So little if no plating may be left. Just get rid of the flaky bits!. Also. there probably never was any in the piston cylinder.
Onward Cursing Soldier!
Cheers!
richard
I know that puckered feeling well!

Wow, a new record!

$431!

(It does include the original box, though!)

That was me. I am going to take a shot over the holidays at fixing my parents' La Peppina that they have had for 30 years. I wanted to have replacement parts available in case I break something (and a La Peppina for my own use if I don't). Since their La Peppina has had a place of honor in their kitchen for more than 30 years and I am going to put myself in a position to be the one that breaks it - well money was only a secondary consideration.