Well brass is quite easy to turn . These look much better than the existing pins. If I had a CNC lathe I would not care what material they were made of. I have some stainless ones from overseas but I like the brass look better.

Plus I can make a custom length, the pressed handles are one size, the gen 1's another and the Milleniums another, Cremina's even wider, all the same diameter though including la Cara and graziella.

I might consider making some, without a CNc or a screw machine not really room to make much other than cost, but for those that love the levers I'll be happy to look at it.

I love these for the maintenance, no tools to remove, no scratching the lever with split ring pliers. Will they last, so far so good using the pin lube I have from OE.

Steel on steel is mutually destructive. The softer metal ends up eating the harder. The secret is to use a high quality high pressure high impact resistant grease and a non rotating pin and an anti friction bearing instead of the idiot roller. Hardened pins in a La Pavoni is overkill as the group comes apart often enough to inspect pins for unusual war and lube failure before there is any damage. Bronze is much harder and not as prone to hold abrasive particles and is still easy to work with.

You seem willing to spend much more time on maintenance than I am! The condition of my cars is evidence that my way isn't perfect. But still, there's no way I'm going to do all that. Hard pins and forget it for me!

The best solution for minimal pin wear is to collect many levers!

This I did, then I had to make 26 pins for thirteen levers

Hi,
I wanted to share some upgrades and repairs on La Pavoni.

I ordered newel La Pavoni, I think year 2003 with wider group. It has the plastic insert and plastic piston. Immediately I noticed different feel on the lever when brewing. I think it was the seals leaking around the piston. My friend made a new brass piston for me and it works amazing now. I also contacted one company that makes custom seals and o-rings. I have not tested them by now, but they fit really good and their shape looks even better. The price is not best, but still cheaper than original set.

I also upgraded several lever pins with stainless stell ones. Also thanks to my friend. I want them look similar as they were original. I have no pictures now, but can post if you want.

So finally the pictures: new piston, original piston from 1980 and original piston from 2003.
And the gaskets, new and old ones.

forbeskm wrote:Well brass is quite easy to turn .

I'm no machinist, so that is not an easy option.

Has anyone considered a clevis pin? One with a head on one side and hole on the other for using a hitch pin instead of the e-clip?
Marine stores have them in stainless steel with diameters of 1/4". Metric 6mm versions are hard to come by, but do exist.
Stainless steel tends to work harden and may provide a decent bearing surface if kept greased. My 2 cents . . .

Any comment on the NK 6/12 Needle roller bearing? Someone had mentioned this on a facebook forum so I thought I'd give one a try. Fits perfectly with no multiples to mess with. Just wondering about opinions on it.

It seems your comment is sufficient. If it fits without multiples and it's a needle roller bearing, what's not to like?

I know, I thought I might be missing something.

Here are some pictures.