Type Shop, Ep. 6: installing the carriage on an Underwood Standard

A quick how to on removing and reinstalling both parts of the carriage on an Underwood Standard Typewriter.

[@asaffin1]

Lucas, you really saved me with this video. I completed my first resto project on a junky Underwood 5 my sister picked up at an antique store. It didn't work at all, now it does. The only problem I ran into was reassembling the carriage, and it was because I didn't know what that little pivot lever on the right side was. Many thanks.

[@pattonhorton2072]

This is a splendid demonstration! I find this quite valuable with Underwood repair with various future endeavors. Thanks as always for the content!

[@TahoeRealm]

I have an Underwood which I believe is a 1916 model. The type face strikes the lower quarter of the platten. Like the platinum is permanently elevated. I tried to press the shift key a few times, but it doesn’t seem to help. It moves a bit but set down far enough. It seems like the entire Platten is elevated. I don’t know why this is - I took the entire carriage assembly off and put it back on everything seems to be resting where it should. Even the bearing wheel. I took detailed pictures of the right side of your reassembled typewriter, and will compare those to mine. This is a great video and very clear. I’ll let you know what I find out. Hoping this will get me going!

[@eldonjanzen9822]

Wow my carriage came off and thank you for making this video.

[@machopolitan1]

I learnt a new word earlier today DEMIGOD! I guess that is the word designed for you Lucas!

[@TypewriterChicago]

Thank you! Some days I really feel like a son of Hephaestus

[@machopolitan1]

@@TypewriterChicago So True! :-)

[@iracema1]

Gorgeous machine!

[@nandi123]

Wonderful. The Underwood 5 is a beautiful machine. Of the full size machines you've used, which has the best "touch"?

[@TypewriterChicago]

Best touch on a full sized has to be between the Olympia SG3 or the Royal FP

[@nandi123]

@@TypewriterChicago Great, thank you! Those two are on my short list. On looks alone the Royal KMM and Underwood 6 are in the running. I look forward to your excellent videos!

[@sleeplessengineer1450]

Does this same method work with the no 4? I can't seem to tilt the main edge of the carriage back that far, and I don't want to force it and break anything.

[@TypewriterChicago]

It should be exactly the same, just make sure you're removing all the right screws

[@sleeplessengineer1450]

@@TypewriterChicago I can't get the pivot screw for the carriage shift tension lever out, even after spraying a ton of penetrating oil on it and waiting for a day. All my screwdrivers just slip without ever making progress, I don't think I've ever had a screw be this messed up. Is there any way you'd recommend removing this screw or is there a way to still remove the carriage without taking out this screw?

[@sleeplessengineer1450]

@@TypewriterChicago Nevermind, finally got it out by just taking out the screw on the other side of the shift tension lever. Also found these small tabs on each side of the top that needed up be unstuck and shifted forward to be able to remove the carriage.

[@TypewriterChicago]

@@sleeplessengineer1450 you should use proper slotted screwdrivers, hollow ground. You can remove the carriage as a whole with the two screws on the rear bearing rod

[@ArshesNei8]

I have an Underwood No. 3. The carriage does not sit on each of the 2 lift frame hooks evenly. It keeps popping off the left hook. The entire carriage wobbles and doesn't seat completely on the subcarriage. Is there a guide showing what adjustments I need to make to have the carriage seat properly? Or do I have to find an entire new carriage assembly for the typewriter? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@TypewriterChicago]

Sounds like a support rod or something underneath may be bent. Make sure the shift bearing is resting on the shift rod under the carriage. There should be a hook that hangs onto the bottom of the rod.

[@graphilia7]

Hi Lucas and everyone. I bought an Underwood n°5, I have a problem with the carriage not moving when I hit the keys. Would you please have a solution for me?

[@TypewriterChicago]

There could be hundreds of causes, most likely the drawband is just broken

[@graphilia7]

Thank you for your answer @@TypewriterChicago. The drawband is in good condition. Maybe one day I will find the solution. Cheers.

[@nathanrodriguez5891]

Hi Lucas, I need a right knob for an Underwood 5 as I think it cracked and broke off the one I have. Any suggestions for this repair?

[@TypewriterChicago]

You can try and use CA glue to put the pieces back together, otherwise I'm not sure. I MAY have a part, I'll check

[@alexparson4472]

Good video but so many times you block the view.

[@tmunk]

*clutches pearls* Yr nose holes! :D