If you order from the factory, then they will send you an email on the shipping. I would have to go back and look at my shipping costs, but I would estimate in the $20 range off the top of my head. I would also suggest getting the full machine gasket set and replace them all while you are in there. Will get the full machine back into shape and teach you a bit about how it works.

Dumb question, but I have the whole machine apart but for the life of me I cannot figure out how to get the power cable out of the chassis - some kinda locking plastic thing.... that is getting close to being demolished if I don't get any tips:)

That is a headache...it locks on. You can either cut the cord or trim the nylon ring with an exacto until it wiggles out. You will then see how it locks in. Don't do too much damage to it since it is surprisingly a very hard part to find. I reused my on the restoration.

First: I am a complete novice!

I hope I'm doing this posting right, I've not joined an online group like this before. I've also just made a major upgrade from a moka pot to an older cremina (it was the one in CA offered on HB last week). I've been studying Steve's awesome rebuild posting very carefully for a few days so I could learn enough to do my own minor repair. My hopes in changing all the gaskets on this machine have been thwarted, because right now, the pin on the handle which passes through the piston shaft will not budge (The other slid right out). It seems practically fused to the lever arm-- I can see some rust. I've wd40'd it and let it sit for some time, but nothing. I've also tapped it (gently) with a hammer ever so often. Has this happened to anyone else? Any good products? Anything I shouldn't use? (I've only done bicycle repairs in the past).

By the way, when you all say to lube, what exactly am I lubing? Should I lube every gasket as I put it on? Even the one on the piston? See how green I am! But don't worry, I'm not using the WD40 for the final lube--I got a food grade tube.

Thanks!
Siri

OK, I did manage to wiggle out the cord with the locking thing so I can reuse it. I had so much fun taking the entire machine apart and cleaning it up. Now, as I await the gasket set, I am contemplating a paint job. The brown is kinda cool, but doesn't really match my kitchen - OK - I am a nut - anyhow - I would like to paint it a color close to the original ones offered - that were 4. I know one was a weird golden yellow, then the brown, and I have heard about a red. What is the other? Does anyone have any color samples to send me? I have had really a horrible time emailing the company - they take days to answer emails, and that's a rarity - I usually never hear from them. And they are Swiss - not even Italians! I've basically given up corresponding with them since they are so slow and clueless when it comes to customer service. It is a wonder they are still in business.

I have seen, yellow, red, orange, brown and even a navy blue. They have a program where you can even get it custom colored. I would just pick out a color that you like and go with that. I would suggest powdercoating if you have a shop in the area. Ferrari red with a carbon fiber front is noodling around in my head for the next build.

Very informative piece and a beautiful machine.

I found a thread on H-B about asbestos abatement of an older Cremina. Is it a good idea to reapply insulation of some type to the boiler after abatement of the original asbestos? Does it throw enough heat to harm the adjacent wiring or connectors or the paint on the cover?

Thanks

I believe that later production Cremina 67 machines were all built without insulation on the boiler with seemingly no problems.

Is it a good idea to reapply insulation of some type to the boiler after abatement of the original asbestos? Does it throw enough heat to harm the adjacent wiring or connectors or the paint on the cover?

After I removed the asbestos, I tried adding insulation which didn't seem to affect performance, so I took it off. I use the machine several times a day and in the last several months there's been no issues with it being too hot. I also repainted the cover and had no problems with bubbling paint, etc.

The boiler is basically the same as later models which have no insulation, the difference being later models are plated...Rod

I have had nothing but trouble dealing with Olympia. From the time I ordered parts on their website until I received them was two months. Now, I need another part and after submitting an order online, no response and several emails with no response I am beginning to wonder if the factory blew up and everyone died. I honestly can say Olympia could just as well could be run by a bunch of retarded monkeys.