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Author Topic: Simplex projector refurbishing Markus Ito Film Handler Posts: 27 From: San Diego, CA, USA Registered: Apr 2011 posted 11-08-2011 12:27 AM                     While going through some old equipment I discovered an old Simplex projector. It's partially disassembled, but all the parts appear to be there. I was considering seeing if I could get it working again, just for the heck of it. Is there anything specific I should do in regards to cleaning and getting this thing to run?  |  IP: Logged Sam D. Chavez Film God Posts: 2153 From: Martinez, CA USA Registered: Aug 2003 posted 11-08-2011 12:35 AM                       How old? Super, E7, XL?  |  IP: Logged Tony Bandiera Jr Film God Posts: 3067 From: Moreland Idaho Registered: Apr 2004 posted 11-08-2011 01:37 PM                     What Sam said. That has a lot to do with the answers we can give you. Basically as a general thing, I clean everything with kerosene, dry it thoroughly and reassemble with generous coatings of Simplex oil. Then, if a Super or E7, grease the gears with a good grade of grease (or Century grease) as well.  |  IP: Logged Markus Ito Film Handler Posts: 27 From: San Diego, CA, USA Registered: Apr 2011 posted 11-08-2011 01:51 PM                     Its a simplex Regular. Based on the parts list I have for it, it is at least 50 years old, and hasn't been used for the last 15-20.  |  IP: Logged Tony Bandiera Jr Film God Posts: 3067 From: Moreland Idaho Registered: Apr 2004 posted 11-08-2011 01:54 PM                     I think a Simplex Regular would actually be closer to 70-75 years old or more. Candidly, if you're gonna do the restoration just for fun, go for it. Otherwise, it isn't worth it IMHO. That head is beyond obsolete.  |  IP: Logged Monte L Fullmer Film God Posts: 8367 From: Nampa, Idaho, USA Registered: Nov 2004 posted 11-08-2011 03:52 PM                     Unless he can find some Wenzell Ace projectors which used the same parts as the Standard..  |  IP: Logged Dick Prather Master Film Handler Posts: 259 From: Portland, OR, USA Registered: Feb 2002 posted 11-09-2011 01:02 AM                     It all depends what parts are missing. Lots & lots of Simplex standard machines around for parts. If it is for money forget it. If for fun go for it. Send me the serial number and I can give you the year it was made. THey were in production from 1911 to 1937 from Simplex and clones from at least three other companies up to 1950+. Probably several still running and they will put out a great picture if properly adjusted. Download the manual from this forun and let us know what parts are missing or send some pictures Never used grease on any Simplex. Always oil to keep gears moist and older Simplex machines seeped a bit. No disrespect to anyone that was the way we lubed them here in the NW with no problems. Stardards thru E-7's Have fun, Dick  |  IP: Logged Markus Ito Film Handler Posts: 27 From: San Diego, CA, USA Registered: Apr 2011 posted 11-09-2011 01:48 AM                     Sounds like I have enough get started. I will check for the serial number and let you know. Where is it usually located? Thanks, Markus  |  IP: Logged Monte L Fullmer Film God Posts: 8367 From: Nampa, Idaho, USA Registered: Nov 2004 posted 11-09-2011 02:04 AM                     might be on the front case towards the bottom. the SSN#  |  IP: Logged Dick Prather Master Film Handler Posts: 259 From: Portland, OR, USA Registered: Feb 2002 posted 11-09-2011 03:35 AM                     Simplex Standard serial numbers are on the rear of the main frame down by the sight box if rear shutter model. Also front plate above lens, if still there. Dick  |  IP: Logged Robert Koch Film Handler Posts: 93 From: Williams Ca USA Registered: Apr 2006 posted 11-09-2011 01:23 PM                     If it still has the original case doors and covers and on the lower front cover it`s printed "PM Co"[Precision Machine Co] you have a really old one; Dick will tell you.  |  IP: Logged Monte L Fullmer Film God Posts: 8367 From: Nampa, Idaho, USA Registered: Nov 2004 posted 11-09-2011 02:12 PM                     Parts Manual for the Simplex Standard  |  IP: Logged Mark Gulbrandsen Resident Trollmaster Posts: 16657 From: Music City Registered: Jun 99 posted 11-09-2011 02:36 PM                     Some of us think Dick worked for Precision Machine in his previous life...  |  IP: Logged Markus Ito Film Handler Posts: 27 From: San Diego, CA, USA Registered: Apr 2011 posted 11-10-2011 07:07 PM                     Found a number on the front of the projector: 30587 Didn't see any additional numbers but its a bit dirty so stuff might show up as I clean it.  |  IP: Logged Dick Prather Master Film Handler Posts: 259 From: Portland, OR, USA Registered: Feb 2002 posted 11-11-2011 02:01 AM                     Markus, that serial number was made 1n 1928. The best number is on the rear of the main frame. That does get quite dirty and baked on stuff from the heat of the arc lamp. Front plates can be changed. Start finding all the parts you have for it and have fun. Feel free to ask any question. Dick  |  IP: Logged

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