Machine Mashup: Olympia Cremina group on Ponte Vecchio Lusso body?

#1: Post by **BladeAndStone** » July 24th, 2023, 1:00 pm

Having experience with both spring and manual levers, it occurred to me to take the best of function, performance, aesthetics, and amalgamate together a machine that attempts to blend the best of all worlds.

The thought, which I am hoping to solicit feedback on anyone who has considered the matter, is to take the body and internals of the Lusso and mod it by swapping for the manual group head of the Cremina onto it by purchasing one after market.

By doing this, you would gain hot water wand, higher capacity of boiler, avoid some of the shortcomings of the stock lusso spring lever group (assuming it is similar/same as the Cremina SL group-of which I am not certain but appears to be the case).

In a way - create a modern Olympia club without having to restore a used one and pay the collectors mark up prices assuming you're successful enough to find one.

Would this work? Would the Olympia group fit? What problems or shortcomings in concept do you see?

#2: Post by **Ljkelly** » July 24th, 2023, 5:21 pm

The PVL2 is a thermosyphon. Pretty sure the SL is a dipper. I guess you might be able to fabricate an adapter like on the La Pavoni thermosyphon club machines, but it certainly wouldn't be a bolt on.

#3: Post by **grog** » July 24th, 2023, 5:38 pm

The Oly Club was a spring lever, not manual.

#4: Post by **baldheadracing** » July 24th, 2023, 7:26 pm

Anything is possible if you have the time, effort,and money. However, if you want a unique and temperature-stable manual lever, than Curtis' (pizzaman383) conversion would be a great way to go. DIY Commercial Group Manual Lever (now with videos) and Condor Group Manual Lever Conversion

Regardless, although the Euro is no longer at parity, the Euro:USD exchange rate is still quite favourable. A 240v Oly Club should work out to be quite a bit less expensive and is more available than a 120v Club. I think that you could bolt on a Cremina group to a Club, but I have not confirmed that the bolt pattern is the same. You may need a longer dipper tube. Myself, I am happy with my Cremina being a Cremina and my Club being a Club. Then again, I would probably be happy with a Lusso being a Lusso

.

#5: Post by **jwCrema** » July 25th, 2023, 10:54 am

I'm looking at a new, unused Pontevecchio Lusso Manual lever on eBay for $1400. Here is a fine looking machine, already to go; manometer right where they put them on the Club, steam and hot water nozzles. My impression is this looks like the Club reincarnated.
https://pontevecchiosrl.it/en/e-shop/le ... e-lusso-i/

What is wrong with this machine, as-is?

July 25th, 2023, 10:56 am

I was mistaken. I thought the club was manual like Cremina, but the club is also spring. I like the manual versus the spring. I agree the PV is a great value and need no major rethinking as is.

#7: Post by **peacecup** » July 25th, 2023, 11:19 am

The Lusso is a spring lever, so "manuel" in this case is lost in translation.

#8: Post by **peacecup** » July 25th, 2023, 11:21 am

As a clarification the Lusso is a true thermosyphon and the Oly Club has the boiler directly connected th the group. Both are spring operated "manual" (as opposed to automatic) machines.

#9: Post by **peacecup** » July 25th, 2023, 11:23 am

BTW if I wanted a manual 45 mm lever I would go for a Caravel

#10: Post by **jwCrema** » July 25th, 2023, 11:37 pm

BladeAndStone wrote:I was mistaken. I thought the club was manual like Cremina, but the club is also spring. I like the manual versus the spring. I agree the PV is a great value and need no major rethinking as is.

I don't have upgrade-itis, but I am really glad you raised the question. The boiler on the is too small on the Argos, I don't like the internals of the Londoium. I was wondering why there aren't more Club type machines, but was not aware of this machine until your post. Thank you.