Don't own a "51" yet, but I'm very interested in getting one in the future (hopefully, near future). I've read that a lot of the pens need sacs or vacs restored. Who is best for that sort of job, and offers the most reasonable prices? Also, what kind of costs can I expect to pay to have a "51" restored?

In particular: to have the filling mechanism replaced/fixed and have a worn nib fixed, after being worn down by the original owner (or is this not a common problem?)

I'm not too concerned about restoring the body (scratches and dings), because I'd probably be careful to pick a good on to start off with.

So, any suggestions?

Oh, and I'd also like to know if it's possible to convert the "51" filling mechanism into something that's a little more permanent?

if you get one and need the sac replaced, i'll be happy to do it for the price of postage.

mike

I would recommend contacting one of the professional restorers that are active here on FPN...
Especially if you think the nib might need some work.... most likely that will not entail re-tipping, but usually just a tune up.
Generally, the nibs are not "worn down" as you state, but it is not uncommon to find them needing a bit of a tune up.
I would recommend the following
Richard Binder
Ron Zorn
Joel Hamilton

These are not listed in any order of preference... they are all excellant restorers who have my utmost respect and I have used all of them at some time or another for work I do not do myself...

As for converting a 51 to another filling system, WHY????.... the vac system will last about 8-10 yrs when restored and the aero system pens are still going strong with the original sacs put in the pens at the factory over 40 yrs ago. How much more permanent do you need

Haha, I just wanted to know if it's been done before. I just keep reading about "51"s needing sac replacements everywhere. I suppose if they've been good for 40 years... then that's a pretty solid system. Thanks for your input OldGriz. If I come into a "51," I'll definitely try contacting one of the sources you've listed.

I'll put in the good word for Richard Binder. I purchased a "51" on Ebay that needed a bit of work, he did a really great job and I'm really enjoying using my first "51". In fact, I'm looking for my second!

Richard Binder does excellent work. I purchased a "51" vacumatic from him, and it's one of my two favorite pens. It performs brilliantly in every way. I wouldn't try to convert one to a different filling system, though. The vacumatic system works very well, and I doubt I'll have to have any of the bits replaced for many years to come.

I'll put in a plug for my friend and a great pen restorer Danny Fudge. He is very reasonable in his pricing and turn around is extremly fast 1-2 weeks! Link to his website at the bottom of my signature.

ALL my Parkers go to Joel Hamilton of http://www.ink-pen.com.
Very good to do business with.....

Thanks a lot for your input!

Or you could save yourself a whole bunch of trouble and buy one ready restored

Here are some links that might help!

http://www.angelfire.com/mac/penguin0/
http://www.wetinc.com/pens/
http://www.parker51.com/

There are loads more good sources, but these will give you a starting point and give you ideas. I am not responsible for you going broke after seeing the pens on offer from these guys

Jim

I send my Parkers to either Joel Hamilton (contact info above) or Ron Meloche (rmelo12089@cox.net)

Best regards,
greg

I second the nomination of Ron Zorn of Main Street Pens. He did a wonderful job restoring my grandmother's Parker 51 vac filler at the Raleigh Pen Show.

Lisa

Another plug for Ron Zorn, who does excellent work and turned a non-writing "51" into a very good writer for me at the N.E. Pen Show. I also recommend Richard Binder if you have time to wait for the pen to get done, since his turnaround time is rather long. Richard has worked on a lot of my pens and always done great wonders.