Parker Vacumatic Maxima Lockdown Filler Restoration Tutorial

We're coming back to Parker for this next installment. Here I take apart a Vacumatic and replace the diaphragm (this one I awkwardly struggled with for no reason other than my own clumsiness). It definitely shows that even pens with some minor cosmetic flaws (this one has some plating loss on the trim) can be made beautiful and that collecting doesn't have to be about perfection.
For this particular restoration you'll need:
-Knock out block/dowels/hammer
-Replacement diaphragm (You can choose a standard or oversized diaphragm - here is used an oversized)
-Talc
-Lubrication for the edges of the diaphragm during insertion (I used my silicone grease, but I've seen some people use saliva. I also just recently got a specific lubricant for vac filler diaphragms from Indypendance - www.indy-pen-dance.com/Vacuma...)
-Some kind of compression wrench/system to remove the filling unit from the back of the pen.
-Your polishing equipment. I will note that although I remove the gems and the clip/tassie you don't necessarily have to if you carefully polish around them.
Some history on the Vacumatic:
www.vacumania.com/websitesales...
www.richardspens.com/ref/repai... (some written instructions on the repair)
parkerpens.net/vacumatic.html

[@steventrosiek2623]

Thank you. I've seen it used quite a few times when I replaced diaphragms.

[@timbonine3333]

I take no joy in the pain of others, but I admit feeling a little relieved that even experienced restorers sometimes have to struggle to get the diaphragm seated on the filler!

[@letstalkfountainpens8052]

Sometimes these "simple" operations run smoothly and I'm surprised just how easy it is, and other times I just don't understand why I struggle so much.

[@steventrosiek2623]

I've installed many of these sac diaphragms and I still use salty language when I encounter difficulty. 😂

[@markhutton9372]

I enjoy your tutorials. Thankyou. Should you shilac the diaphram onto the lip? Ive watched a few of these now and not seen anyone apply shilac, although I have come across shilac'd repairs where the shilac has corroded the lip significantly, so perhaps thats the reason not to?

[@mtozsu]

Just a little bit of shellac to hold the diaphram on the metal lip would help.