Another DVORAK Selectric

I just finished this IBM selectric 3 for a customer. It was a custom build because he wanted the Dvorak keyboard and the Selectric II style ribbon in Marlin blue. This machine came with the 210 bicycle ribbon and because it is harder to locate these days it makes sense to change it to the more available Selectric II style ribbon.

 

 

 

Converting the ribbon was pretty straightforward. In addition to changing the ribbon plates, the ribbon lift guides were added and ribbon lift arm were changed. Changing to the Selectric II style ribbon is an effort to help make sure ribbons will be available for the foreseeable future. The 210 ribbon is becoming increasingly scarce and expensive and as far as I know, no manufacturer is still making them, so once existing stock is depleted, there likely won't be any more made. The SRS Selectric II ribbon was used during early production on the SIII's and again right before production ended in the mid-1980's. The SRS Selectric II style is still widely available from many sources and is still in production, so it makes sense to convert it as part of the rebuild.

The keyboard was also converted to DVORAK layout (American Simplified) per customer request. I've gone into great detail about how I convert these in other posts and go the extra steps of making the dual-impression system function properly. That requires modifying the velocity vane to interface with the proper low-velocity interposers once they are relocated. 

 In addition to these modifications, I did a thorough overhaul. It received a complete teardown and washout cleaning in solvent to remove old grease and gummed oil. Wear items were replaced and everything was relubricated with synthetic grease and oil. 

 

 Now I just need to get it ready for shipping to the customer. I have purchased double-walled boxes to protect it and I will use a board to bolt it down with bolts, washers and spacers so it doesn't move around inside the box or the metal covers. Keeping my fingers crossed as shipping companies are known to be rough with packages.