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I recently purchased my first vintage typewriter, a royal quiet deluxe. I found it at a gargage sale for ten bucks and couldn't pass it up. Everything works except for the "m" key, because it is missing/broken. I attached some pictures below of the problem. The actual lever(I think that's what the part is called) is broken under the machine. Is this a fixable problem, or do I basically have a parts machine now?
Thanks,Hector
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You need a lot more than just a key, but don't despair. I've seen entire machines being parted out on eBay, so if you're lucky you'll come across someone who is selling those parts. I don't know where you live, but you might also want to contact any typewriter repair shops that might still exist in your area - or in other cities for that matter. Some members here have lucked with sourcing parts from such places.
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Could you tell me the name of the parts I should track down? I'm really green at all of this.
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Essentially all of the parts from the key itself backward (I can't tell from the photo). Just use the neighbouring key arm as a reference and follow it to see what else might be gone, look for any missing springs, or damage past the point the missing arm was snapped off. Photos will help when contacting typewriter shops. I really hope you manage to save this machine; the QDL is an exceptional typewriter, but its practical use is pretty limited without a working letter M.
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Looks like there is a shop in Cambridge. Going to lug it there on Tuesday for them to inspect in person. Wish me luck!
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If it's the one I've heard of then you'll be in good hands. Oh, and good luck!
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Well the typewriter is more trouble than it's worth at this point. Although I did just get myself a very nice Smith Carona Silent!
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TypicalType wrote:
Looks like there is a shop in Cambridge. Going to lug it there on Tuesday for them to inspect in person. Wish me luck!
Are you talking about Cambridge Typewriter in Cambrige, MA or a different Cambridge? Congrats on your new typewriter either way!!
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Cambridge MA