Restoring a rusted Vandercook Model 4
Just bought a model 4 that has fairly major rust issues. I’ve been able to get most of the various parts to move and act fairly normal. I am having a major issue with the griper pedal. The pedal seems to be frozen at the pivot rod as the pedal goes into the bottom of the press. If I reach into the press and pull the chain that is attached I can get the linkage to move finally, but the pedal itself is locked tight. I’ve sprayed it with various rust opening oils, etc. I’m going to be moving the press to the office in the next day or so. I will have better access to the press at the time.
I was wondering if anyone has a suggestion as to how to proceed from this point. I don’t want to break anything as the press is complete and nothing seems to be broken.
Thanks,
Bert
I will take pictures.
The pedal assembly might have been stressed at some point in the past, and the pedal or shaft binding. I’d try and disassemble and inspect. There are a taper pins at each end of the shaft, one affixing the pedal, the other the lever leading to the chain. But the parts are all very tight fits, not easy to budge, especially working on your knees. You will definitely need the right tools, punches, gear puller, and for reassembly you might need a shop press. I did this not long ago for a pedal lever with a broken taper pin, and could not reseat the pedal and lever even with an arbor press, had to ream them slightly.
But since penetrating lubricants haven’t heled yet, disassembly would be the next step.
Or you could put a torch flame on it and see if that frees it up at all.