New platen for SimType portable

I got this machine from a friend who unloaded a bunch of machines at me, too busy to take care of them. Among others there was this small Italian beauty from fifties.

It suffered usual problems: Shift-lock not working (too strong spring installed, fixed that), type arms moving with hesitation (cleaning solved that) and rock-hard platen.
It was impossible to thread paper through, even though feed rollers were in top shape.

I decided to give it full overhaul: cleaning, lubricating, adjustments. It were its lines and shape that got me - esthetics remind me of another Italian beauty I worked on but this machine types a lot better. So it deserves a new platen!

I did not document this build - it was a standard procedure of removing the old platen, turning it to the core (steel) and building up the diameter to match vinyl tubing I use.
As the machine has this beautiful, black crinkled paint I wanted to give the new platen a bit of texture. But in a way not disturbing the main function, of course.
I ended up making the core wrapped in natural cork, turned down to proper diameter to accept the vinyl and pressing this into my stock.
I used semi-transparent vinyl, with bluish scent - this one is harder than my transparent material and more suitable for platens, with ShoreA 90 (circa).

The result is pleasing but most importantly - the machine takes paper like a bulldog now!

Another missing thing were spool covers- There was one only. They have a function - apart from being nice they hold the ribbon spools in place so the machine can be carried safely.
Heck - even used on ISS!

So I decided to make my own spool holders. I made knurled knobs and threaded spool axis (not rotating) so that spools sit securely in place when the machine is up-side-down. Or in zero-gravity.

Test type with fresh ribbon - typing is pleasant, silent and letters do not embose themselves through paper, even with single sheet of cheap, printer paper. Success!

Photo session in evening sunshine followed.