Sailor pocket pen, converter modification

[merzig]

I've got a vintage Sailor pocket pen. Currently it's fitted with a cartridge that I refill with an eyedropper.

 

I know the modern piston-converter needs to be shortened to fit. I've consulted Dillo's photos and description on Russ Stutler's site; seems pretty straightforward.

 

What I'm nervous about is, the mouth of the converter doesn't want to fit around the feed in the first place. I can't even get it to stick in there. The converter mouth appears to have a sliiiiiiightly smaller diameter than that of the cartridge. Plus the lips are different lengths. Do I need to shorten the converter lip? Or just use some force on the feed?

 

I'd appreciate a little help before I break out the Olfa blade.

 

Thanks!

[bardharlock]

I've got a vintage Sailor pocket pen. Currently it's fitted with a cartridge that I refill with an eyedropper.

 

I know the modern piston-converter needs to be shortened to fit. I've consulted Dillo's photos and description on Russ Stutler's site; seems pretty straightforward.

 

What I'm nervous about is, the mouth of the converter doesn't want to fit around the feed in the first place. I can't even get it to stick in there. The converter mouth appears to have a sliiiiiiightly smaller diameter than that of the cartridge. Plus the lips are different lengths. Do I need to shorten the converter lip? Or just use some force on the feed?

 

I'd appreciate a little help before I break out the Olfa blade.

 

Thanks!

Modern Sailor carts fit them and the pens will pierce them. I am refilling carts in my pocket Sailors.

[Dillo]

Hi,

 

You must shorten the metal ferrule to make it fit, then you must cut the knob carefully. It's a big job. I can do it for you. Don't cut the connector end!

 

Dillon

Edited May 15, 2009 by Dillo

[merzig]

You must shorten the metal ferrule to make it fit, then you must cut the knob carefully. It's a big job. I can do it for you.

Cool, thanks for the offer. I have a Dremel and did a lot of model-making back in Architecture school, so I'm not intimidated. I really want to figure this out so I can use a wider range of pocket pens.

 

 

 

Don't cut the connector end!

Not having to cut the connector end means it should grab into the feed as-is, right? But it doesn't! The converter can be inserted deep into the feed, but it won't grab onto the feed properly and stay in there. It just falls out. The cart works fine, though. Any clues as to why this might be happening?

[merzig]

Not having to cut the connector end means it should grab into the feed as-is, right? But it doesn't!

Um, I tried again just now and the converter popped on. Just took a little force. :embarrassed_smile:

 

Also it appears the barrel is long enough, I'll only have to cut the plastic knob (a la the Platinum converter mod). I'll post photos once I've done it.

[Dillo]

Hi,

 

The metal ferrule often prevents the converter from seating completely. Unscrew it, push it in, then mark the converter body. From this, you will know how much to cut the metal ferrule. (If needed.)

 

Dillon

[merzig]

Hi,

 

The metal ferrule often prevents the converter from seating completely. Unscrew it, push it in, then mark the converter body. From this, you will know how much to cut the metal ferrule. (If needed.)

 

Dillon

 

The ferrule (fortunately) doesn't interfere with the seating of the converter. I think I'm lucky in that regard! It just took a little more force than I expected (there was so little tolerance the converter made a little popping sound when I seated it).

 

Thanks again! I think I'm good to go. Just need to cut the knob.

[Dillo]

Ok, now cut carefully. It would be a nice touch to finish the job with a bevel. Do the rough cutting with the Dremel and finish up by hand.

 

Dillon

[merzig]

Wow, this was a long time coming. Finally spent 45 minutes and completed the converter mod. Not a flawless job but it works just fine.

 

Thanks so much for the advice, Dillo!

 

Here are some shots of the end product.

 

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3483/3726794859_b20700db82_o.jpg

 

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2430/3726795139_f647c9ca33_o.jpg

 

I was lucky so little needed to come off, and no cutting of the ferrule was necessary.