COMPLETED JUNE 13th,08   

  Here we are restoring a North Tonawanda Pressure pump, Vacuum Pump and replacing all the Wurlitzer Valves with new units built in house. These pumps where previously restored in 1985. There where LOTS of mistakes and shortcuts done what hindered the pump from operating correctly as you will see in the following pictures.

Pictures of the Organ and the pumps that where removed.

  The Restoration:                  (Click on pictures to enlarge)

   Pressure Pump was disassembled and the following concerns are noted.

   Pictures will be in random order. Being that I'm working on the 3 items at once.

Rope hinge was replaced with a thick piece of leather. This will not last! Both of the bellows had one split hinge. This method does work but not for long.	Another normal but bad idea is using Picture Matting for Ribs/Stiffeners. This is what they will look like in a short while. NEVER USE THIS MATERIAL! Again, it will work but for a short time.	This is a picture of the Vacuum pump and was rebuilt with the rope. Its still in tact. Although it will be replaced during the restoration process.	Flaps on movable board where installed not utilizing the original springs. This will be corrected. Also the flap has a piece of cardboard glued to it that made it warp in the center and not lay flat.
Here is the repaired hinge	Center board was also cracking at the seams that had to be repaired	Reservoir frame was cut in many separate pieces unnecessarily. Joints will be cleaned and glued back together.	Before and after of the flap on the center board using springs like it was  originally.
Completed hinge "the correct way"	Ribs installed. Notice the old ribs made of picture matting. This happens every time. Don't let anyone tell you different!	Note: I have the rib material made to my specs. And also have available, the original red press board. At Roberts Musical Restorations we use the best materials available that meet    or exceed the original design.	Sorry, Rib material is not available to the public. This is one of the many advantages to having your restorations done with us. :-)
Had to build a couple of new fingers.	Completed	Before & After of completed stack with new Wurlitzer valves built by us.
Vacuum pump taken apart and being prepped for re-covering.	In the process of covering  one bellow.	One down ,one to go.
Here is the output tube for the vacuum pump. After cleaning noticed the seam was not soldered and was leaking. The right picture it was repaired.	Notice there are no tacks. When done correctly with the right materials tacks are never needed. "In my opinion"	Movable board for the Vacuum pump ready to attach.	Ready to cover
These are the valve housings for the Vacuum pump. The boards are cracked and not sealing correct. I will cut off the tops and replace.	Here are the rings after  cutting tops off. Right picture shows tops glued back.	COMPLETED VALVE! Better than original.	New external valve flaps for the Vacuum pump with new springs.
COMPLETED June 13th
Pressure Pump Before & After
Vacuum Pump		Stack Before & After

Check my other current restorations.

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