Help a newbie to the Parker world.. I like the looks of the 51, but see the prices all over the place. What I would like is a decent user that does not look like it's been left on the floor of a pick up truck for a year.

What to look for, do they all use the same filling system? What should I avoid?

Anyone have something that would make a good user without a huge price tag? They seem to be all over the price range on e-bay, but I am not sure if that is all rarity, good deals, or some problem that I don't know about. I can do quite a bit of refurb work so perfect condition is not my highest concern, but big dents will be a challange!

Thanks, guys... Let me know what I should look for if you would!

Parker 51s come in two filling systems... the earlier Vac filler until 1948 and then the aerometric filler from that point onward...
As far as what to prefer... personally, I like vac fillers... but others prefer aeros...
For your first 51 an aero is a good choice because you don't need to worry about having the filler restored... a distinct possibility if you buy on eBay... in fact most likely a 99.99% probability...
As for doing your own restoration on a vac, if you don't have the right tools, don't do it... you are asking for problems..
Your best bet in buying your first 51 is to go to the FPN Marketplace to see if any are available... at least you know what you will be getting...
I would ask what price range you are looking to be in.... I will have some available as soon as I finish a bunch of restoration work... I have some aeros I need to clean before sale.

Well, without looking far and wide, I hope to get into something from $25 to maybe $45. I will keep my eye open and see if I can find one here. They seem to be all over the place on e-bay as for prices so I am not sure if my range is realistic or not. I am also in no hurry, I have "brought home" way more than my wife likes right now. (I think it's been close to ten pens this month...)

Lee,
I think you are really on the low end for even a user grade 51 aero....

I was able to get a Parker "51" Special with a matching pencil on Ebay a few months ago for $50 + shipping. In my opinion, it was a steal. A little TLC along with a good soaking and cleaning (was stored with ink in it for who knows how long) and it writes wonderfully. It's one of my favorites (not to mention the "Oh that one...its XX years old" factor at work).

Another option for that price range is start with a Parker 21.

Maybe, but time will tell Tom, I can turn some pretty rough stuff into gold with a little bit of work.

Just curious, how are the clips held in place? Do they press in with the jewel cap? Just curious if it comes down to a dented cap that needs to be fixed and the "lines" put back on.

I'd say there's an economy of scale with the P51s that starts at roughly $75. (Oh great, now all the low-ball sellers are going to read this and price higher accordingly.) I think below that and it's very rare to find a decent pen, user grade or not; but at that price there seem to be a lot available that are mildly or even just barely dinged up but in extremely functional condition.

Generally a Vac-filler tends to go for a little more than an Aero-filler, largely because it's going to be older and "more collectible." In addition the blue-dot pens -- those with a Parker lifetime guarantee, and the little blue diamond on the clip -- are only available in Vac-fillers in the P51, IIRC. I find the blue diamond much more attractive on these pens; the later Aeros are rather metallic and industrial looking, to me, in the absence of the older styling. But that's just a personal preference.

I have three, no four, P51s. I actually prefer the Aero as far as filling mechanisms go, but I really prefer the blue diamond as far as styling and looks go.

All are excellent wet reliable fast-starting (immediate!-starting) writers with wonderful nibs.

I know you can, I have seen some of your work.... but without the right tools a vac filler is an accident waiting for a place to happen...

The clip is held in place by a blind screw that the jewel screws into... you unscrew the jewel and then inside you will see a slotted head blind screw that you unscrew to release the clip... this screws into the inner cap. If you need to removed dents from the cap you need to remove the clutch ring and inner cap... this requires a whole other tool that is very expensive which is why I don't own one.
As much restoration as I do for others, caps are not included... those I send out one of the few pros who really know how to do them....

I picked up a non-blue diamond polished chrome capped 1946 Vac at an antique store for $9.
It has a name engraved and a few dents in the cap but it writes real well!

Thanks Tom...

I will let you guys know if I find something!