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Thursday 9 April 2015

Then & Now: The Restored Smith-Corona Model 88

 Less than a week ago it looked like this. Now it doesn't ...
It's actually taken only four days to transform it. Two days were washed out. To be honest, these photos don't do it justice. I just had another look at it - it is a real transformation.
Gone are the mountains of rust, the forests of leaves and twigs, the jungle of giant wasp nests, the spider webs and bird poo (plus the tabulation system, I readily confess).
I will detail the final stages of the repainting and reassembly ASAP. For the time being I'm enjoying having a nice looking, sweet working (and sweet smelling) Smith-Corona Model 88. 
Right now there are a few minor adjustment still to be made. For one thing, the replacement shift key (off a spare parts Royal Diana) isn't blending in so well, but fortunately I have left myself another option there.

8 comments:

Piotr Trumpiel said...

What a transformation indeed! Ugly duckling to a swan in two days - that's hard work and dedication.

Anonymous said...

I have so enjoyed watching your Model 88 come back to life. Your posts are always a lively read.

Richard P said...

Bravo!!

Ted said...

Looks wonderful! Another one saved to soldier on! :D

shordzi said...

drastic fantastic!

Don Lampert said...

Of course it looks wonderful - but was it worth it, as a practical typing unit - is it a quality typer, and how does it "feel"
Awaiting the final chapter - does it live happily ever after, or should it have been given a quiet burial?
Tis remarkable no matter what!

Anonymous said...

Fabulous work, as always!

Anonymous said...

It looks great; nice job! Would you mind sharing your technique for restoring the plastic keys? It seems common for them to get hazed over, as if it's mildew.