WURLITZER STYLE 146 BAND ORGAN RESTORATION PROJECT (Part 5)
by Dr. Bill Black

The restoration project began in October of 2000. This series will mostly be a presentation of the photos that were taken during the restoration process. We wonąt go into great detail in descriptions since the basic restoration process is similar to that described in the 105 restoration series.

PHOTO A - A close up of one of the pumpers on the vacuum pump. Several of the 4 pumpers had these wear holes in them. Enough to kill the vacuum and require an external vacuum pump to make the organ play.

PHOTO B - The vacuum pump has been taken apart. The old glue has been cleaned off the wooden parts in preparation for ecovering. We try to remove the leather for the pumpers intact so they can be a guide for the size of the new leather pieces.

PHOTO C - The pressure pump has been taken apart.

PHOTO D - The disassembled pumps were sent to Durward Center, owner of Historical Instrument Restoration in Baltimore Maryland for restoration. The completed vacuum pump is shown upside down on the floor.

PHOTO E - The completed pressure pump in the organ. The completed pumps are beautiful. Durward does museum quality work.

For more information on the Dr. Floyd L. Moreland Carousel at Casino Pier, visit: www.casinopiernj.com/index.html

Dr. Bill Black is one of the nation's most knowledgeble Wurlitzer band organ experts. He has made recordings of many band organs and other mechanical music machines which are available for purchase in our Gift Shop .