Jerry,  One would normally have taken all of these measurements before
removing the bellows cloth.  I'll be using my Gem Roller organ as a
template to give you requested information:

> 1. Is there a template for this roller organ cloth?

No.  The template would have been the original cloth.  This is usually
carefully removed and then laid over the new cloth, serving as a
template.

> 2. Does the top of the organ (with GEM stenciling) remain all the
> way up or should it be pulled down a little to provide some tension?

The top reservoir is fully open when not playing, and then it closes
to some degree when playing.  The latter depends on how many notes are
being played and how well the exhauster valves are working.  When fully
open, the back side should measure 3.5" from outside edge to outside
edge.  That is, when you cut the new bellows material, that edge should
be 3.5".  When you glue it up, that will give you the correct opening.

> 3. When gluing, is it best to start from the bottom of the back of
> the organ seam and work up?

You've got to deal with a compass spring.  I'd glue the new cloth to
the bottom edge.  Then insert the springs and using either clamps or
tape, hold the top portion of the reservoir at 3.5".  You only need
downward pressure since the springs are pushing outward.  Then glue
the cloth to the top edge.  After that, do the sides, removing the tape
and clamp as needed.  Keep some sort of restriction in place until the
glue sets.

> 4. Should the cloth be tight all the way around or sag a little?

On the top reservoir, the cloth will be tight all around when fully
expanded. but not the exhausters bellows on the underside.

> 5. Should there be any folds in any areas?

The exhauster bellows will _not_ be tight.  They should be creased
and pucker-in a little when that particular bellow is in the full
open (down) position.  I can't give you an exact measurement here
since everything is in place including the push rod.  I'm guessing
about 3.5 inches when gluing up and before installing.  Since this
is a vacuum pump, the vacuum will automatically keep this creased in
appearance.  Once installed, these bellows will open to only about
2.5 inches maximum.  That extra one inch gives you the required fold.

Hope this helps some.

Jim Quashnock
quashnock@aol.com.geentroep [delete ".geentroep" to reply]