It wouldn't hurt to create a post in the Parts sub-forum asking for the piece, but it's such a simple thing that maybe you could make one on your own. Essentially it's just a pin, one that looks very similar to what you would find in a door hinge, and I imagine a nail, cut to length and with the same diameter as the holders your wire is pushed through, would work and look great.

BrianE wrote:

2.) Probably in FAQ somewhere, but eventually (I've spent far too much money on typewriters for a while at least) reputable specialist for the platen?  *Very* hard & requires about 3 sheets of paper behind it.

I have read only good things about JJ Short's platen recovering services.

Here is a post from a happy customer:
http://www.kytyper.com/2014/02/28/what-a-difference-a-recovered-platen-makes/
 

Thanks for links to platen source & suggestion for DIY part.

Right now, I've discovered cleaning it is a devil.  All kinds of gunk in there-- surprised it worked at all when received it.  Noticing an improvements already, so really think I'm going to like it. 

Two more questions & call it a wrap.

1.) S/N site has year and also, "... long row switch-lever starts with s/n 471,00."

Since no book, what is a long row switch-lever?  Tech term for touch control?    

2.) One site suggests using DOT 3 brake fluid to soften a platen.  Just use caution & only leave it on there 1 hour.  Anyone tried this & does it work?

Only worry I have is hard platen will eventually tear up ribbon-- padded paper or no.

Brian

BrianE wrote:

Since no book, what is a long row switch-lever?  Tech term for touch control?

Good question. I have no idea what it means and I've never heard the term used before. I'm pretty sure it's not a "tech term" (it sounds more like "doohickey" terminology), and Royal refers to touch control in its manuals as "touch control", so it probaby nothing to do with that. 

BrianE wrote:

One site suggests using DOT 3 brake fluid to soften a platen.  Just use caution & only leave it on there 1 hour.  Anyone tried this & does it work?

I would not go anywhere near a typewriter with brake fluid, and frankly consider it to be poor advice because the potential downside to its use outweighs its benefit. For example, brake fluid is harsh enough to eat paint on contact and can corrode certain metals, so why would anyone go that route when there are products available that are specifically designed to soften platens? Even though rubber rejuvinator should also be used with caution, they're less likely to permanently damage anything from accidental contact. 

BrianE wrote:

I'll do a search for "rubber rejuvinator" or browse what I'm sure are some tips available here.

Yes, we've discussed the product many times here, so I'm sure you'll find plenty of information within Typewriter Talk. 

BrianE wrote:

As for the "long row switch-lever" -  found the term here:

I should have mentioned that I knew where you got it from, and it's the only place I've ever heard the term. Maybe thetypewriterman will be able to shed some light what exactly the part is supposed to be.