Montblanc 149 Broken Piston Rod. Need Help.

[Kalessin]

After a look at the pictures, it also looks like the nib tines might be out of alignment, though it's hard to see fine enough detail in the photos to be sure.

 

I'm with the "send it to an independent repair person" crowd. In my opinion, fixing this pen and keeping it vintage is far more desirable.

[niksch]

After a look at the pictures, it also looks like the nib tines might be out of alignment, though it's hard to see fine enough detail in the photos to be sure.

 

 

I thought so too after viewing the first set of photos. But there is a subsequent post with three very close-up photos that shows that all is A-OK.

[Chrissy]

After a look at the pictures, it also looks like the nib tines might be out of alignment, though it's hard to see fine enough detail in the photos to be sure.

 

I'm with the "send it to an independent repair person" crowd. In my opinion, fixing this pen and keeping it vintage is far more desirable.

 

I admitted that I would probably be the only one on FPN who would prefer to have a brand new 149 that would be worth quite a lot more than the old pen will be, even after it's restored with it's old style of piston.

[niksch]

I admitted that I would probably be the only one on FPN who would prefer to have a brand new 149 that would be worth quite a lot more than the old pen will be, even after it's restored with it's old style of piston.

Value and worth are very subjective. I guess it comes down to how one defines worth or value of a pen. Based on your comment above, it seems to me is that you belive a pen is worth more after a Level 1 service since the pen is now practically new.

 

On the other hand, I value the pen in this case for its vintage traits, and to keep them complete makes the pen worth more to me, and as it appears, to several others here.

 

The level 1 service is a valuable and relatively inexpensive tool. It's not necessarily the answer for every MB FP problem.

[Chrissy]

Value and worth are very subjective. I guess it comes down to how one defines worth or value of a pen. Based on your comment above, it seems to me is that you belive a pen is worth more after a Level 1 service since the pen is now practically new.

 

On the other hand, I value the pen in this case for its vintage traits, and to keep them complete makes the pen worth more to me, and as it appears, to several others here.

 

The level 1 service is a valuable and relatively inexpensive tool. It's not necessarily the answer for every MB FP problem.

 

No, I don't believe a pen is worth any more after a Montblanc level 1 service.

 

However, when Montblanc send out a completely brand new pen and only reuse the original nib, then you then have, to all intents and purposes, a brand new pen. Assuming that has a decent nib that's been well cared-for, and isn't noticeably damaged, then as far as selling on the 2nd-hand market goes, it would probably fetch more within the general population.

 

I can accept that while almost everyone on here but me prefers to keep all of their pens as old ("vintage") and as original as possible, to me, that's probably a "heart ruling the head" position. I let my head rule my heart, and believe the better you can make it now, the longer it might last.

 

I really don't feel the need to have an old type of feed and an old type of filling system in my pens. I also prefer to not try to keep old ("vintage") pens going with old barrels and caps that could have shrunk, or degraded, or become more brittle, over the years. My brand new and up to date versions write perfectly well with their brand new smooth pistons, are beautiful, and will last for a long time like the old ("vintage") pens have done already. One day my pens will get to be "vintage" too.

 

I don't expect to be the final owner of any of my pens, and maybe try to future-proof my pens to a degree.

 

You pay your money for the service that suits you, and you get what you want.

[TxHarleyGuy]

Good arguments to be made on both sides of the spectrum. For me, I think (no, I know) I'll be keeping this one vintage; as best I can. I have new pens. It's like when I took my dad's Rolex in for servicing. I specially asked that they 'DO NOT POLISH' or otherwise do anything cosmetic to the exterior band or case. Sure, it could have come back looking just as good as the day he bought it some 50+ years ago. But I opted to leave the scratch here or there, the ding on the back end of the case. For those (to me) were reminders of a well worn watch. A watch with history and stories to tell. I'd like to do that same thing with this pen; keep it vintage. For me, I think (at least in this instance), that'd be cool. I'm not looking to see how much money it can fetch; vintage or new service. It's a keeper. And it'll reside alongside my other pens; new and old.

Edited May 12, 2018 by TxHarleyGuy

[farmdogfan]

Good decision, i would have done the same.

[Chrissy]

Good arguments to be made on both sides of the spectrum. For me, I think (no, I know) I'll be keeping this one vintage; as best I can. I have new pens. It's like when I took my dad's Rolex in for servicing. I specially asked that they 'DO NOT POLISH' or otherwise do anything cosmetic to the exterior band or case. Sure, it could have come back looking just as good as the day he bought it some 50+ years ago. But I opted to leave the scratch here or there, the ding on the back end of the case. For those (to me) were reminders of a well worn watch. A watch with history and stories to tell. I'd like to do that same thing with this pen; keep it vintage. For me, I think (at least in this instance), that'd be cool. I'm not looking to see how much money it can fetch; vintage or new service. It's a keeper. And it'll reside alongside my other pens; new and old.

 

This reminded me of the time I sent my fairly old Rolex watch to be serviced as the date was sticking, and I thought it was about time it could have a full service including it's glass replaced that had always had a tiny chip on the edge since I bought it as a 2nd hand watch. So my best friend, who is a jeweller, sent it to a recommended Rolex repairer.

 

Long story short the postman (mailman) stole some items when he picked them up from the repairer, to send back in the mail service. My watch was one of them.

 

However, this wasn't known for some time. Meanwhile the repairer sourced me a brand new Rolex and even allowed me to have a free upgrade to a better dial. What's more, despite them being at one side of the Country, they drove hundreds of miles to pick it up, then hand deliver it to me at my friend's shop, together with a lovely bouquet of flowers.

 

About 3 months later the thefts were found out, and all of the stolen items were recovered, including my repaired watch. So the repairers asked me if I wanted to give back my brand new watch and have my old one back. In a heartbeat I said absolutely not.

[Ghost Plane]

A plug for Niksch. One of his BB-nibbed pens was my gateway drug to used MBs for daily use about 10 years ago. Older nibs tend to be addictive as you’ve discovered from dipping the nib on yours.

[TxHarleyGuy]

A plug for Niksch. One of his BB-nibbed pens was my gateway drug to used MBs for daily use about 10 years ago. Older nibs tend to be addictive as you’ve discovered from dipping the nib on yours.

I've reached out to him. I don't have any real experience with 'older nibs' to speak with any type of authority. But what I can say is that - in dipping this pen - the writing experience is simply amazing. It appears to dance across the page effortlessly. Really diggin' this pen.

[Ghost Plane]

I've reached out to him. I don't have any real experience with 'older nibs' to speak with any type of authority. But what I can say is that - in dipping this pen - the writing experience is simply amazing. It appears to dance across the page effortlessly. Really diggin' this pen.

Best description of an excellent nib I’ve heard in ages.

[Custom Pen Parts]

Hi

If i understand your problem, then have a look at this link.

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/276873-another-d-i-y-149-repair-pictorial/?hl=%22custompenparts%22

 

[niksch]

Hi

If i understand your problem, then have a look at this link.

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/276873-another-d-i-y-149-repair-pictorial/?hl=%22custompenparts%22

 

Sadly, the item required is no longer in stock. And I need about 15 of them. Don't advertise if you cannot deliver.

[kandarp]

I got the replacement part made out of brass delivered from China. I'll send you some pics of it tomorrow morning. Seems to be well made.

[Erik Dalton]

Darn! I knew I should have bought some of those back then...oh well..lol

[niksch]

I got the replacement part made out of brass delivered from China. I'll send you some pics of it tomorrow morning. Seems to be well made.

 

Please do.

[kandarp]

Also, they sent me a little knitting needle type of thing. I was able to pull the old c-ring out of the pen without an issue.

 

Well there was an issue, the c-ring went flying and I've not been able to find it.

[Custom Pen Parts]

 

Sadly, the item required is no longer in stock. And I need about 15 of them. Don't advertise if you cannot deliver.

 

Both the Peek and the Acetal helix rods will be back on my site very soon. As I make all the parts on my site myself I have to allocate my time making the parts that are in greatest demand.

The MB helixes are now at the top of my list so if you or any of you colleagues have a need for some, mail me so I know how many to make.

[kandarp]

Okay, so I was able to find my c-ring before going to bed last night.

 

Here is a picture of the brass mechanism and rubber seals that I received. I was able to use this hook shaped too to extract the c-ring with ease. I paid 35 for the entire setup and it appears to be well built and smooth even without any silicone lube. I'll take apart the pen, wash all the components and put it back together over the weekend.

 

I also ordered a piston tool and 2 nib removal units for 146s / 149s and WEs, they cost about 12 bucks a piece

Edited May 15, 2018 by Fountainpencrazy

[kandarp]

I was having a lot of trouble getting the c ring to 'snap' in place. So I ended up using a hollowed out bic ballpoint (we dont talk about these enough on the forum). Worked like a charm and I had the c ring secured in 30 seconds.

Edited May 15, 2018 by Fountainpencrazy