Before we go any further, I want to assure you that this post is not an April Fool's Day prank. The typecast below is from this typewriter, as found, with no lube, adjustments or ribbon replacement. It was going to be taken apart until I happened to try a few keys. Sigh.
Just like the Arrow (a rebadged QDL) said, I bought it for the sole purpose of cannibalizing a funky screw that actuates the back space mechanism. (Correction: that was $2.00 and worth it just for the screw.) The love interest mentioned above is much prettier and exclusive and theoretically had an easier and pampered life. However, the screw in question was missing or had been removed. And I assure you that she required much lube and adjustment to work properly. (Famous ebay seller quote: "Looks like this has never been used!")
This beast looks like it has been to Hell and back, but it works nearly perfectly with only two typebars sticking at the platen. I'm not sure if the margin release key works; I'll have to bend it back into position to find out.
In high school, when I first started working on cars and motorcycles, I liked the ones that were rough around the edges with good, strong engines. It was partly due to not having much to spend on cars and partly because I just making things work. I self-taught on engine rebuilding way back when and drove some really scroungy looking cars. But they ran, and I respect that.
The guy I bought this and a mint Polaroid 95 Land Camera from organizes a great rod show that I absolutely must attend. If you like homebrew rat rods and customs, check out photos of Greaserama taken by a friend of mine at http://public.fotki.com/boxstersys/all_thing_automotive/various_car_events/greaserama-2011/
My family unit has engaged me in a "discussion" on what degree of clean this machine should be. I'm leaning towards the barn rat rod approach. The essential nature of this machine is expressed through total neglect and still having the heart of a champion. My three girls gazed upon me with various expressions ranging from baleful reproach to Sheldon-is-trying-to-make-your head-explode as they argued for continued existence and mechanical cleaning and lubrication.
If you have read their blogs (which I set up for them) you know how opinionated they are. I am, perhaps, doomed.
So, gentle reader, what do you think? Should I give the innards a clean and lube? Should I clean the dirt off the body? That risks removing some over spray, but I think the auto paint blobs aren't going anywhere. Up front, I have to tell you that "boat anchor", "door stop" and "junk robot parts" are welcome opinions protected by the First Amendment. However, sentimentality for functional mechanical things as outweighed reason in this case.
Also, 1950's car club nickname suggestions are appreciated.
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| Even the grubby type slugs eventually get their day at vintagetechobsessions. We have an equal macro opportunity policy. |
Heads up: It is Royal week at vintagetechobsessions. The aforementioned love interest was my birthday present and it really is pretty. I'll just say it is a study in contrasts. Stay tuned!
Clean the type slugs, straighten the key, and replace the screw. There is a certain character to the machine just leaving it the way it is.
ReplyDeleteI'd have it in a prominent place in the garage where I could use it. It fits so very nicely in a well equipped garage. Then I would also put it in the house.
Perhaps I spent too much time in a body shop....
I'm not sure it is possible to spend too much time in a body shop unless it was all work and no play.
DeleteFinal proof that typewriters are indestructable.
ReplyDeleteI like Bill's idea of displaying it in the garage.
I was completely surprised that it actually types pretty well. Very strange.
DeleteI have an HH and a QDL that are similarly indestructible. How about Rat Fink?
ReplyDeleteRat Fink is an iconic name and a great suggestion. We're beyond anthropomorphic with our machines in this house and will probably pick something a bit more human. Free association almost got me to Deckard from Blade Runner...
DeleteBob Falfa (jerk) => Han Solo (gotta be with Leia) => Deckard (a cold blooded killer with heart that falls in love with a machine)
Clean it enough to work but do leave all the paint droppings. Great photos, btw!!
ReplyDeleteWell, clean enough to work is a low bar since all it really needs is a ribbon! As for the photos, even the beat up old scoundrels deserve good light and quality glass.
DeleteIt actually looks cool in a grungy, steampunk sort of way. If you can get it to function reasonably, I'd keep it the way it is.
ReplyDeleteDone! All he needs is a good brushing and a few drops of gun lube. Oh, and also the odd screw in widgy thingy for the back spacer.
DeleteNow that's a tough old Royal (:
ReplyDeleteYep! It is growing on us. No wonder typewriters start taking over houses and garages.
DeleteI do want to emphasize that none of the female family members were arguing for trying to remove the paint blobs - we like the Jackson Pollack look! Just make sure it keeps working and doesn't get left outside in The Box and everything will be just fine...just fine... ;-)
ReplyDelete"Any man loud talking spends a night in the box."
DeleteIt's a good thing this was once a "Quiet" de Luxe ;-)
It's a testimony to toughness, for sure.
ReplyDeleteIs it just me, or are there plenty of erotic insinuations in your descriptions of this typewriter and the QDL? ;)
I suppose the post could be looked at from a certain point of view... but that wasn't the intent. Of course, who knows what subliminal thoughts are bumping around late at night.
DeleteIt is safe to say that Margo, the QDL, is one of those pretty girls that is strangely drawn to the tough guys. The as yet unnamed beat-to-heck Arrow is one of those roguish Han Solo types. Not Bob Falfa, though - he was just a jerk.
I'm going to keep my eyes open for an old car club dash plaque for the Arrow. He needs just a little bit of bling :)