TypewriterGuy wrote:

I would try finding the originalkeys of the machine, THEN soldering or whatever you plan on doing. 

I dont think wood keys would look very good.

Well, it's not all about looks here. I think a more important factor would be keeping the typewriter out of the scrap yard, and worrying about looks could come next.

However, I don't think the wood keys would stand up to a whole lot of typing before they crack. Another alternative, although making the typewriter quite unattractive, could be metal or tough plastic buttons.

We can't forget that glass keyed machines aren't the only ones being chopped--plenty of later plastic keyed machines are having their keys pulled. However, with these plastic keys they can be pushed back into their little slots once they have been pulled. Also, not all typewriter key sets have been separated from the typewriter... sometime the seller will get lazy and wait until the auction ends. These listings should be top priority because the chance of saving the machine is much higher if you can convince the seller to ship it to you.

Spazmelda wrote:

I think some different keys could look pretty cool. Sort of Franken-typer.

Did someone say "Frankentyper"...?!?!  Bwahahaha! 

so far the lc smith has cleaned up well 
infact as a testament to the Smith Bros
The typebars Work with just a little oil.
the remington on the other hand 
The typebars are all frozen solid
Wonder who built the better machine?
 

well they were both stored outside in a scrap pile.
The nice thing about the LC smith is you can 
mold keys for it as they were originally plastic with 
a metal ring. 
 

well here is the result




the "keys" are made from these
http://www.joann.com/tim-holtz-idea-ology-typewriter-keys-16pk/2373538.html#q=typewriter+keys&start=1