Vacumatic Restoration Part 1

[@Michael.Chapman]

Thanks for the video! I'm a collector and if you collect, and have some mechanical ability, you eventually find yourself becoming a repairer because experienced repairers are rare in Sydney where I live. I've restored all my six Parker "51" Vacumatics (and many Aerometrics). I had to buy the special Vacumatic block tool that unscrews the Vac pump (placing a new diaphragm onto the old pump can be even more of a pain, especially as a learner). I own only one of these Parker Vacumatics and the time has come (after 6 years or so) to replace the diaphragm but my problem is removing that tightly bound section without damaging the pen in any way--the "51" hoods seem so much easier to remove, without significant heating... so I would have really liked to see exactly how you used the hair dryer (even if you muted the sound) cause that is my fear--ruining the pen with too much heat... Thank you anyway as the information remains very helpful :-)

[@francisco5434]

Awesome video. I have the same pen and disassembled it with your training. The lip test with the hair dryer worked perfect. I purchased a brass C nut from The Pen Practice out of England. I didn't have the tools to remove the old ball in the ball cup. I removed all the rubber then heated a dental hook with a lighter. Then under a magnifying glass I pressed the tip of the hook into the ball and let it cool. Pulled it to the opening, turned about 75 degrees to the side and pulled it out. Thanks!

[@threefirstnames4187]

Very cool! I'm a big lover of the vacuum fill mechanism, my PC 823 is my grail pen and daily driver. I heard talk of these though and think they are a really beautiful and cool piece of history. The prices are right, any tips for picking one to restore?

[@Parker51Guy]

I have the Pilot Custom in amber, I wish I had gone with a F nib instead of the M I chose, besides that it’s a great pen with a unique filler in this day with a huge ink capacity. I can’t think of any specific things to guide you in your choice of a restoration purchase, but if you have any questions when you get it about getting it back in shape I’ll try my best to help if you post again. Good luck!

[@jtoddjb]

great repair videos very well done. im doing a couple of vacs right now myself. I hope you do a duofold jr. vid.

[@jonathantite8514]

Has anyone ever mentioned to you that graphite has a potential to cause corrosion in aluminum? I'm not sure if it would apply in the case of Vacumatic fill units but I wouldn't risk it. The aerospace industry found out the hard way when someone was using a pencil to mark sheet aluminum. It encouraged cracking.

[@renecrisologo2257]

Hi Mr Parker51 Guy, I'm too much of a klutz to do this so can I just send my Dad's Vacumatic to you for diaphragm replacement and cleaning? I'd love to put it into use again. Is there a possiblilty to modify it to take a cartridge or filling converter?

[@kryjPL]

Hello If you made unscrewing tool by yourself (6:25) could you give me a thread dimensions? Maybe I will be able to do that tool also by myself.

[@Parker51Guy]

21/64-36

[@marcorebatta5483]

Hello!! I have a vacumatic 1946 and the filling system isn't working (is spilling ink) In Peru (my place) nobody restore that. And your videos about restoring vacumatic I can see some instruments that I haven't. Would you help me?

[@Parker51Guy]

Marco, What things are you talking about? If you can tell me times in the video perhaps I can help you out. Please let me know. Parker51Guy

[@steventrosiek2623]

The diaphragm is ruptured and needs to be replaced.

[@ZeroZen7]

I went to do this thinking it was broke to find out that everything was is working order and the nib had dried up ink blocking it

[@nirgunapa56]

Such a shame that the camera is focussed on the work surface so much of this is out of focus.

[@demetriusbraz3405]

Hello, What is the name of this tool in the time 6:10 minutes?

[@Parker51Guy]

Vacumatic filler tool, there is also a wrench that does the same thing i.pinimg.com/originals/65/56/a8/6556a8d8a8a431c20b1e964fe803eecc.jpg

[@JoseAntonio-ok4iy]

Very Good. Thank you!!! Good job!! Congratulations!!!

[@volcanowb]

Very helpful! Thank you!

[@SUSSDUE]

Thanks for sharing, but every hope I had of being able to restore my non-functioning newly bought Parker Vacumatic disappeared at 6:45 when you showed the specially made block w threads you had made. Nothing we amateurs have lying around... I will have to find someone else to show me a more " restore it with what you have at home" kind of video.. But I am sure your video is very useful for all those who have the right special tools! Good luck!

[@_DIDDLYHOLE_]

I believe the block can also be bought from pentooling.com for around $30 if you're us based, and I know pendemonium has the same block for about the same price. You pretty much need it to do this kind of repair.

[@theinkbrain]

Four minutes before even unscrewing the section? *Nothing helpful here.* These videos are no help at all to an amateur collector who just wants to fix his pen but does not have the special equipment. It would be useful for professional restorers, but they already have the tools and information anyway! I'm with Charlotte Due in the comments.