My Selectric Refurbishment Process

I took some pictures of some of the steps I take when I refurbish an IBM Selectric. This is a very labor intensive, time consuming process, but it is necessary to return a Selectric back to it's full operating potential.

 First step is to strip the machine of the housing, platen, feed rolls, motor and wiring. I then chemically wash the machine in my typewriter washer to remove decades-old grease and oil. I then check and perform any needed repairs and then re-lubricate the machine with synthetic oil and grease Photos below show the machine after it has been washed.

I overhaul the motor, centrifugal clutch and switch and reinstall the motor and wiring.  At every step, I check each mechanism as I go, making sure adjustments are correct. I then test all the machine functions as well as impression quality, selection and noise.

It's hard to photograph the mechanical reconditioning process. Rest assured, the mechanical components are thoroughly cleaned and checked and any repairs and adjustments performed as necessary. My goal is to return the machine to "Like New Condition".

Once the interior mechanism is functioning properly, I work on the parts that everyone sees. I strip the old foam out of the case and remove all the hardware and emblems to prep for repaint. I even remove the platen knobs and refurbish them by cleaning, polishing and adding new numbers on the page-end indicator as shown below.. 

 I then put a coat of clear over the numbers to prevent them from rubbing off like the originals.

The housings are then cleaned, stripped and sanded (if necessary) and then repainted with an oil-based enamel paint. Original paint colors and texture are used to retain the original look.

 All emblems, margin scale and trim is reconditioned and repainted if necessary.

 This emblem has been reproduced using a scan from an original.

 New noise-reducing carbon gray foam is cut to fit the machine and then attached to the interior with spray glue. Even the paper table gets a new strip of foam to reduce rattles and buzz.

The power frame assembly is then refitted to the base and more checks are performed.

The plastic dust shields that fit below the carrier are cleaned, and heat-formed to remove years of warping. The photo below shows the straightened shields ready to install.

 Dust shields installed and clearance-checked.

 

 Noise-reducing foam shown installed inside the case.

Upper housing ready to install with paper table, emblems, margin scale, margin rest and latching hardware reinstalled.

When I finish assembling and testing this machine, I'll post the finished photos.

WIllow Green Selectric II with Correction -SOLD

Check out the pictures of this beautiful IBM Selectric II in Willow Green. This is an uncommon color and is very hard to find. This is the darker green that IBM used.

Just completely overhauled. It looks and functions just like new. It has been cleaned in a chemical bath, high-mortality parts replaced, lubricated with synthetic grease and oil and adjusted to factory perfection. This machine has been completely refurbished. I strive to make every machine as perfect and new as possible.

It comes with a NEW Dust Cover, Extra Ribbon and Correction Tape.
SOLD

My contact information is in my profile if you have any questions.

Selectric II with Correction SOLD

Here's a lovely Selectric II with Correction in Marlin Blue that I just finished overhauling and refurbishing.

I know some people prefer the Selectric II's because of the concave keyboard. There has never been a typewriter made with a sweeter "touch" than a Selectric. It types beautifully.

SOLDMy contact info is in my profile if you have any questions.

Cocoa Brown Selectric III -SOLD

Here's a beautiful IBM Selectric III that I just finished in Cocoa Brown.

It's a smooth, quiet machine that would be perfect for business or home.

Comes complete with a NEW Dust Cover, Extra Ribbon, Correction Tape and copy of the Owner's Manual.

SOLD

Selectric I - Personal Size - 11 inch Platen - SOLD

Freshly overhauled/restored, this is a 11" Selectric I. Like all the machines I do, I completely cleaned it with a chemical bath, lubricated it with synthetic oil and grease that won't gum over time. All necessary parts replaced and all adjustments checked and thoroughly tested. It types like a dream and has that wonderful keyboard touch that made Selectrics famous. Nothing will ever rival typing on a Selectric .

This machine is a model 72 which came with a fabric ribbon, but I put a carbon film ribbon in it. The carbon ribbon prints much sharper and clearer, which Selectrics are famous for.

SOLD

More Machines Coming Soon

I'm in the process of completing two more Selectric III's.
One will be Cocoa Brown and the other Marlin Blue.

If you are interested, my email is listed in my profile.

Willow Green Selectric II w/Correction SOLD

Here's the latest machine that I finished refurbishing. It's a Willow Green Selectric II with Correction.

Completely refurbished inside and out, including a full chemical wash, replacement of high-mortality parts and complete re-lubrication with synthetic oil and grease to return it to like-new performance. New noise-reducing foam has been installed in the factory locations to make this machine perform like new. Additionally, it's been repainted in the original factory color.

Everything possible has been done to make this machine like new again. You will think it's the 1970's all over again! If you have ever used a Selectric, you will be amazed how flawless this machine performs. It's a Dual-Pitch, 15" Correcting model.

 

Smooth and quiet, this machine is quick and responsive. The keyboard touch is fantastic. That's the real draw of the Selectric. No other machine or keyboard can match the feel of a Selectric.

 

As near-new as you will ever find.

Fully tested and ready to go. Comes complete with extra ribbon, extra correction tape and a custom-fitted NEW DUST COVER. A truly beautiful machine that is a joy to use. One-year guarantee on everything. Although I'd rather you pick it up in person, I can ship it for an extra fee.
A real bargain considering the time and materials required.

SOLD

Send me an email with questions. My contact information is in the "about me" section.