In response to Bruce Clark's restoration of his Ampico expression
I wanted to point out the importance of the relationship of the top
board.  This board is the maple board that connects to the top of the
three expression pneumatics and it is located at the very top of the
expression unit.

After you have restored the expression units make sure that this top
board is positioned properly.  Push down on the board and make sure that
it is parallel to the base.  The Ampico expression is dependent upon the
relation of the three expression pneumatics relative to the lever
action of this top board.  It is crucial to the expression that this
board is parallel when pushed down from the top.

The use of leather instead of cork on the Ampico is an improvement
which I choose in restoring; however, when wood needs to be sealed,
I use shellac as much as possible.  I buy Moser's shellac flakes from
Woodworker's Supply and mix it with alcohol.  Once you get used to
mixing the flakes to the proper consistency you'll be hooked.

I think it's great that collectors restore their own pianos -- that's
how I started myself -- but please try to use original materials.
There's nothing like seeing player mechanisms work and _look_ original.
Sticking to the original techniques goes a long way to preserving the
instruments.

Paul Manganaro