I'm pretty sure you can find replacement ribbons on amazon Etsy, I think skyriter has smaller spools...

Im definitely not the forum expert but I know oiling is something you do ONLY AFTER  the machine has been thoroughly cleaned with something like denatured alcohol. There are also specific points to oil and more importantly specific points NOT TO OIL.
You should be able to search the forum to find how exactly it should be done.

FWIW I've read on here that sewing machine oil is an acceptable lubricant.

I would recommend a shorter ribbon such as for a calculator.  You would have to spool it onto the spools in your machine, but that isn't too hard.  As for how to change the ribbon, there is a manual for the typewriter here:  http://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-manuals.html  and you just need to scroll to the Smith-Corona Skyriter to find a copy of it.  It isn't a video, but may help you.

skywatcher wrote:

Hi Comma

​As others have said, the Skyriter takes a standard ½" ribbon which is reasonably available. However, only Smith Corona series 3 spools fit the Skyriter, so if your unit came with spools, you're good to go. The trick to removing the old ribbon from the spool is simple, but a little care must be taken. The ribbon is held onto the core of the spool with a 'C' shaped clip which is easily removed by simply pulling the ribbon off the spool, just be sure to wrap your hand around the spool or the clip may go flying across the room.

​To install the new ribbon onto the spool, lay the ribbon over the core of the spool with about 1" of ribbon to spare. Set the 'C' shaped clip over the ribbon and press it into place around the core. A little practice makes perfect. All the best,

​Sky

Thank you!
Would a regular sized length of ribbon not work?
All of the typewriter ribbon is red/black and I don't think my typewriter has that capability.

If I just bought universal spools with 1/2" ribbon would they fit if I put them onto my current spools?

Thanks!
 

comma wrote:

skywatcher wrote:

Hi Comma

​As others have said, the Skyriter takes a standard ½" ribbon which is reasonably available. However, only Smith Corona series 3 spools fit the Skyriter, so if your unit came with spools, you're good to go. The trick to removing the old ribbon from the spool is simple, but a little care must be taken. The ribbon is held onto the core of the spool with a 'C' shaped clip which is easily removed by simply pulling the ribbon off the spool, just be sure to wrap your hand around the spool or the clip may go flying across the room.

​To install the new ribbon onto the spool, lay the ribbon over the core of the spool with about 1" of ribbon to spare. Set the 'C' shaped clip over the ribbon and press it into place around the core. A little practice makes perfect. All the best,

​Sky

Thank you!
Would a regular sized length of ribbon not work?
All of the typewriter ribbon is red/black and I don't think my typewriter has that capability.

If I just bought universal spools with 1/2" ribbon would they fit if I put them onto my current spools?

Thanks!
 

Having just picked up a decent UK-built 1961 Skyriter over the weekend, with dried out ribbon, I'd like to know the answer to the above question myself. My guess is that a standard 2 inch spool would hold too much ribbon to spool onto the smaller Skyriter spools, but I'd like someone to confirm this one way or the other. Thanks!