www.espresso-restorations.com
The Espresso Machine Restoration site
A non-commercial site for those interested in espresso equipment repair and restoration.
La Marzocco Smal 1 Group
Page 1
The rebuild (19/08/05)

So now the hard work has been done.  To recap what I have done so far and an idea of the time taken...

Strip down the machine (incl. taking notes)                3 hours
Strip down all components                                          1 hour
Remove paint and rust from the main frame                8 hours
Apply rust prevention "hammer" paint to frame and inside the front footwell  8 hours over the course of 4 days.
Refinish the front steel panels to satin brush.                30 mins
Descale both boilers and all copper pipes        ongoing over 5 days
Polish both boilers on the outside                               1 hour
Braze up a small leak in the brew boiler                        30 mins
Dismantle the main power switch, clean contacts and rebuild        2 hours
Start the main wiring loom  (incl. planning time)                4 hours    


So now the fun really begins. I have to say I'm not 100% satisfied with my job with the hammer paint because it's
tricky stuff to use considering it was my 1st time.  But I think now I know a few tips and tricks so I can do a better job
next time.   The inside of the front footwell (that house the main switch) was badly corroded.  That was also sanded
and wire brushed and painted.      
Main frame all ready to go. Brass machine in the background. Iron frame required rust prevention paint. Front footwell has been attached.
My attempt with hammer paint finish. Pump wire left and mains cable right.
Main terminal block. Pump terminal block. A gorgeous socket head screw. Main switch wiring - cover not yet installed!
Check valve descaled, new o-rings and ready to go. Hot water valve ready to go too. Steam valve. The drain cover all polished and ready.
The brew boiler. Old thermostat left, new thermocouple right. Now that is OTT - can you spot how sad I am?? The front panels.
View from the back. I added the swirls.
View from the side. Steam boiler. Inside the steam boiler.
Of course it was far too tempting to see a glimpse of the  final result.....
Mock-up with boilers in place. Mock-up again. The work trolley.
Too many machines to finish... The big picture ;)
Completed machine 30/08/05

Here are a few pics of the final result. There will be a bit of tweaking here and there but it looks good and pulls shots.
Back view showing how little space there really is. The result.
PID located in the gap left by the Sirai p-stat First run through of water. No dispersion screw or screen in place.
New parts

The new parts that I had made were the main body which was made in satin brushed steel.  And a cup warmer tray
made in mirror finished steel.   The body was given an extra 25mm in height so that it created a bit of a cup rail. I did
toy with the idea of a bar type rail (like an FB70) but I'm happy with this.

There is also a brand new bakelite group cover to go on but it needs to be adjusted so the switch will fit.
New cup tray. New main body. All other panels are original and were re-finished. Looks great. Finished!
I did rebuild it once but I can live with that small New cup tray work very well indeed. A good distance for espresso pours. The new cover which I will put on. Maybe make it manual??
Before
 After
This website is created by Paul Pratt, Hong Kong 2004-5. If you would like to use any of the images or text I am sure
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