Typewriter Video Series - Episode 194: 1957 Silent-Super

Joe reviews the 1957 Smith-Corona Silent-Super, and shows in detail how to remove the type bar clevis linkages and troubleshoot sticky type bars.

[@TrishMeyer99]

Love the ephemera! I got a blue one last week in Cedar Crest estate sale (my first vintage typewriter) and am watching everything I can before I start to clean it. Thanks for going over how to remove the platen - great info for a newbie! I think a sheet of Evolon 168 gsm would work great as a cleaning sheet. It's a synthetic artist paper that printmakers use as it is super absorbent and loves to take the ink off the plate. It never tears, it's lint free, and it can be cut with an x-acto knife or scissors into small sheets. I just tried it on the Silent-Super without the old ribbon, and I can see the letters on it, so that must mean it's taking ink off! You can get it at Blick online (or I can give you some to try).

[@johnc.bojemski1757]

Always said that "mechanics at heart" made the best engineers. I think YOU fit that characterization perfectly Joe.

[@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536]

Very strong and nice cases.🙏.

[@michaelkirwan177]

Especially appreciated the diagnostic thread you followed to isolate the specific aspect causing the problem. By reading the tea leaves so to speak of the type's appearance on the written page really seems to provide ample clues to achieve a satisfactory repair, or adjustment. Also like the easy manner and delivery that accompany your tutorials. Well done sir. Mike Kirwan - Kenmore, WA

[@johnc.bojemski1757]

That test for "sluggishness" is VERY interesting Joe! Never tried it before.

[@aphexteknol]

DARN! I should have kept watching until the end. I just found an entire package of those Scotch 3M typewriter cleaning sheets that had never been used, and I was going to send you one along with the tape letter and everything. I guess you don’t need one now! :)

[@tmunk]

Fantastic machine find, and great ephemera package! :D

[@LTHanlon]

Thanks for the info! I own a 1954 Smith-Corona Silent-Super in Desert Sand and these tips will come in handy. I just wish I could detach the holiday case without the risk of slicing off my fingertips. I've never encountered a friendly case mechanism.

[@4355dcox]

Thanks Joe, nice typewriter repair vlog.

[@leecreighton]

The labeled diagram in that manual is great for learning the differences between the Silent Super, Silent, Sterling, and Clipper.

[@aphexteknol]

How lucky can you get Joe? You find another Silent Super, its in a different color, it’s pica 10cpi, and has those super cool original tags that would have been on the machine new. It’s almost like that typewriter was destined for your collection. Now the real question is if it’s worthy of receiving all new JJ Short rubber like your old elite Silent Super. Thanks again for the great video and showing off your new toy. :)

[@johnc.bojemski1757]

What you just described is the machine design and sales philosophy smart companies use... ie. If you've got a GOOD, reliable design that sells well? "Freshen" it a bit from time to time cosmetically but DON'T MESS WITH THE "GUTS" THAT MAKE IT WORK (and sell) SO WELL!

[@johnc.bojemski1757]

PS: I LOVE the foldable, rabbit ears style, "paper holders" on the SMITH CORONAs. Was this a PATENTED feature available only on the "SC's"? I've never seen the like on any other typewriters. Thanks and PLEASE keep up the great work on this series for as long as you can! There's a few "copycatrers" out there on the internet but, like the song says... "NOBODY DOES IT BETTER!".

[@Joe_VanCleave]

Thank you! I understand and appreciate your enthusiasm.

[@Clevelanddrummer1]

Thanks again for another incredibly informative video. I recently acquired an identical machine (same color and everything). I was wondering if there was a way to get in contact with you to discuss the machine a little further. I’ve seen all of your videos, including the repair stuff. Everything checks out, but I’m still not happy with the action. I even have a Tower President (comparable Sears model) that is WAY easier to type on. Anyway, thanks for your time and thanks for the content!

[@Joe_VanCleave]

Degreasing the slots for the type bar linkages and all the moving linkages in the ribbon advance and vibrator system is key to getting the touch as light as the design permits. I advise lacquer thinner applied with a brush, then work all the linkages, then blow out the gunk with an air compressor. Repeat as necessary. Work in well-ventilated area and cover all the painted & plastic surfaces to protect from the lacquer thinner residue, that can dissolve paints and plastics.

[@Clevelanddrummer1]

Thanks for getting back to me. Unfortunately I already cleaned it very thoroughly with mineral spirits and a wire brush. I suspect it’s something else in the carriage maybe

[@woodthrushcottage]

Interesting and helpful. Wonder ephemera, key to the holiday case! I received my first manual vintage typewriter last week, a Smith Corona Clipper 1956-57, and have a question. Is the Smith Corona Silent Super the same as the Clipper, except the former has a no. 1 key? Any other information would be much appreciated. Thank you.

[@Joe_VanCleave]

Having the “1” key is related to the age of the machine, not the model. Sometime in the 1960s more machines had the “1” key, before that most of them lacked it. The Silent-Super was top of the line up in their portables, it featured key-set tabulator, touch control and ribbon bichrome setting, along with a slightly quieter operation.

[@Saboda53]

Nice, comprehensive review. Joe, I just purchased a 1956 “Smith-Corona SUPER” on Etsy from someone in Canada. Except for the name, it appears to be identical to the “SILENT SUPER”. Do you happen to know if this was simply a different name used in Canada but not the USA? Thanks.

[@Joe_VanCleave]

I don't think it was unique to Canada. Smith-Corona were constantly adjusting their model lineup over the years. They had the Silent, the Super and the Silent-Super. I've only personally owned the Silent and Silent-Super. The difference is the Silent had tab slugs on the rear tabulator bar, while the Silent-Super had a fully adjustable key-set tabulator. There's also a subtle difference in the escapement star wheel, the Silent-Super has a silencing spring intended to quieten the sound of the carriage return, whereas the Silent lacked that feature. These differences observed are with the machines I've personally owned; they may have made changes between various models during transitional years.

[@johnc.bojemski1757]

I'm too "chicken" to do any servicing of my own machines. (Yup, I always took my car to a mechanic even to pop in a new AIR FILTER on the carburetor.) Cluck, cluck, cluck... Cock a doodle doo!

[@ravenshadowz2343]

Do you have a video on replacing the CL/Set key for a 1953 silent-super?

[@ladyj.crafty2016]

Hi. I was wondering if you can tell me by the serial no:. What year is my Smith Corona Typewriter from Sterling. I've been trying to look for it, but haven't had any luck. Thanks so much. Serial# 5A 740231

[@Joe_VanCleave]

www.typewriterdatabase.com says 1958

[@joaobenicio89]

Joe, I want the most silent typewriter one can find (manuals... I know that thermals are almost noiseless). which one you recommend?

[@Joe_VanCleave]

The Remington (and Remington Rand) Noiseless from the 1930s and '40s comes the closest to being truly quiet, though the "thrust" action of the type bars gives it a different feel.

[@joaobenicio89]

@@Joe_VanCleave Thank you!

[@luarietate1619]

Where can I find the make or model number on my Smith and Corona super speed typewriter.

[@Joe_VanCleave]

See the Smith-Corona entry in the Typewriter Database: typewriterdatabase.com/smithcorona.86.typewriter-serial-number-database Navigate to: Corona Standard, Silent and Electric section around 1937 for the beginning of the Super Speed models. If you can find the serial number on your machine you can date it to the approximate year.

[@coollittleme]

Where can I get the service literature?

[@Joe_VanCleave]

typewriterrepairbible.com

[@douglasjackson9058]

Thanks Joe another great video. Quick question is which is quieter the Silent? Or the Silent Super?

[@Joe_VanCleave]

They’re very similar. The Super has a key set tabulator is the major difference.

[@douglasjackson9058]

@@Joe_VanCleave Thanks for feedback,its appreciated. Going to look at a Silent with pica.

[@johnc.bojemski1757]

I must preface this note by acknowledging publicly that I'm a MORON when it comes to doing anything involving "mechanical" maintenance. Residing in the "suburbs" adjacent to NYC almost EVERYTHING can be either delivered or service provided 24/7/365, for a price, EXCEPT the maintenance and repair of our cherished typewriters. Almost. If you're a "COMMERCIAL" customer I do know of ONE outfit which makes 'housecalls". No... I'm not and I couldn't afford it anyway. So? I've gotta figure out a way to schlep my two, vintage 60's&70's allegedly "PORTABLE" machines downtown to the one place which comes MOST highly recommended in my tri-state area. It's the ONLY place I'd let touch my old "friends". Bus, train, subway, taxi?... Yikes! There goes my maintenance budget just for transportation to the technicians. (Not to mention the hernia lugging them onto those public conveyances.) So my fellow "clickety claking" buddies... Wish me luck eh? Much appreciated in advance. Oh boy am I gonna need it! Thanks again Joe Van Cleave for keeping this near lost art alive! PS: In regards to our so called "hobby" being an "obsession"? Yes! Think of it as AUTO COLL

[@johnc.bojemski1757]

...THINK of it as vintage auto collecting but we can store ours INSIDE our tiny, overpriced, urban apartments!

[@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536]

🙏

[@msms5435]

What kind of person creates a half hour long video without typing on the typewriter once?!?