IBM Selectric II Belt replace

[republic]

I know this probably isn't the best place to try, but I'm completely lost on what to do.  I need a belt replaced on an old IBM Selectric II typewriter and I was hoping a fellow old codger might have an idea how or where to have this done.  :)

I'm about to try it myself...but the number of springs, gears, and levers is very intimidating.

[Gusington]

That begs the questions...what are you doing with an IBM Selectric II?

[Staggerwing]

That begs the questions...what are you doing with an IBM Selectric II?

Typing?

[GDS_Starfury]

what is this typewriter device you speak of?

[Staggerwing]

This will refresh your memories:



I'm sure you've read it or at least seen the movie.

[republic]

lol sometimes the easiest tool for the job is a typewriter.  :)  Plus I like the soothing hum of a device that will not crash on me or need to be upgraded.

[LongBlade]

Plus I like the soothing hum of a device that will not crash on me or need to be upgraded.

Except when you need a new belt that hasn't been made in 40 years...

;)

[GDS_Starfury]

yeah.... take that down to the geek squad at best buy just to see the look on their faces.

[LongBlade]

I'm starting to wonder about the logistics of the whole thing.

OK, we know the electricity is the same.

But...what about that ink ribbon? I'm guessing Republic is crushing up walnut shells and boiling them down to make the replacement ink.

[besilarius]

Try a google search for typewriter repair shops around your city?
Believe it or not (and I barely do), there is a resurgence of people who prefer a typewriter.
Not a huge groundswell, but enough to justify at least two full time repair shops in the metro Washington, DC area.  (That I have heard of.)

[republic]

There's actually a thriving parts market...but no one to put them in.  I got the belt on eBay for $20.

So last week I called a local (70 miles away) repair shop and they assured me they could fix it and for only $65.  I explained it was a Selectric and needed a belt swap.  I'd already looked it up and read that the entire drive shaft has to come out.  (The Selectric is a amazing feat of American engineering...the entire thing is driven by a single motor and hundreds of gears, levers, etc.)  So the guy says "yes, yes I've worked with Selectrics for years and we even have a Selectric for sale here at the shop."

I actually have two Selectrics and arranged to have the one belt changed and the other greased up.  I call the guy a couple days later and ask how it has gone.  "I got that one fixed, but I can't replace that belt, there's no way your getting that fixed around here."  So he "fixed" the one that wasn't broken, actually he just cleaned it and charged me $71.


There are special tools you need, and the timings can't get off...though it seems like if I learned how to do it myself I might have the market to myself!  :)

[Keunert]

wohaa IBM is that old? and you too?
my sincerestest regrett!

[eyebiter]

Try putting a want ad on your area craigslist.  Chances are some local retired guy fixes them in his spare time.

[DoctorQuest]

Try a google search for typewriter repair shops around your city?
Believe it or not (and I barely do), there is a resurgence of people who prefer a typewriter.
Not a huge groundswell, but enough to justify at least two full time repair shops in the metro Washington, DC area.  (That I have heard of.)

I get this catalog from the Vermont Country Store. There must be a market....

http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/store/jump/productDetail/For_The_Home/Home_Furnishings/Home_Office/Brother_Electronic_Typewriter/55038

[Staggerwing]

You're probably just as likely to find someone who can repair an IBM System/360 Model 20 minicomputer as repair an IBM Selectric 2...

Have you considered using an emulator?





;)