Telescope Reviews: Unitron 155 102mm

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sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Unitron 155 102mm
#5479576 - 10/19/12 10:02 PM Attachment (186 downloads)

Well, after 360 miles today I picked up this little old 102mm Unitron package. From looking at Unitron catalogs, this appears to be a 155. Spending the night at my son's apartment, home tomorrow.

Edited by sgorton99 (10/20/12 06:08 PM)

Post Extras:

strdst
Post Laureate

Reged: 03/23/08

Loc: Oregon Territory

Re: 4" Unitron 155 new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5479612 - 10/19/12 10:25 PM

Looks fantastic Steve. May I be the first of many to toast your glass of beer in congratulations for finding that beauty. Say hi to your son and assure him that we don't think his dad is... uh... so crazy!

Post Extras:

Compressorguy
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 03/14/09

Loc: Clayton, NC

Re: 4" Unitron 155 new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5479697 - 10/19/12 11:22 PM

Very nice Steve. Congratulations on your find. Long drive but great day! Looking forward to many photos.

Post Extras:

nightpilot
member

Reged: 02/16/12

Loc: Southern Suburbs, Chicago

Re: 4" Unitron 155 new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5479730 - 10/19/12 11:44 PM

Looks really nice. Look forward to seeing this setup. Congrats.

Post Extras:

JonH
super member

Reged: 04/07/12

Loc: Brisbane Australia

Re: 4" Unitron 155 new

[Re: nightpilot]
#5479838 - 10/20/12 01:54 AM

Glad to see you found a really good 4" Unitron at last. Looks complete too!

Post Extras:

clintwhitman
Caveman

Reged: 01/01/07

Loc: CALI SoEasyACavemanCanSlewIt

Re: 4" Unitron 155 new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5479932 - 10/20/12 05:52 AM

Great job Steve It looks like the one you sent the photos of. Should be great. Cant wait for the star report. Thid look to me like one of the first 102 otas they ever made and should be a killer lens.

Edited by clintwhitman (10/20/12 05:54 AM)

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: 4" Unitron 155 new

[Re: clintwhitman]
#5480150 - 10/20/12 10:38 AM

Awesome looking scope. Congratulations.

Post Extras:

Preston Smith
The Travel Scope Guy

Reged: 04/24/05

Loc: Eureka, Pa

Re: 4" Unitron 155 new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5480165 - 10/20/12 10:54 AM

Congrats Steve!

Welcome to the Unitron 4" club!

Post Extras:

madeline
sage

Reged: 07/30/10

Loc: Bloomington, MN

Re: 4" Unitron 155 new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5480168 - 10/20/12 10:56 AM

Congratulations, I want one!!!!

Post Extras:

Bill Griffith
sage

Reged: 08/12/09

Loc: Ca.

Re: 4" Unitron 155 new

[Re: madeline]
#5480257 - 10/20/12 12:00 PM

Steve,

Congratulations! That is a fine looking instrument, it certainly has the appearance of being an original assy..

WOW!!

These are becoming increasingly rare.

The black setting circles are beautiful and much more functional at night IMO.

So Steve, you have enough in the herd now?

Congrats again, and I'll second that toast to beer!

Clear and steady skies
Bill

Edited by Bill Griffith (10/20/12 02:54 PM)

Post Extras:

PiSigma
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 10/14/09

Loc: North Carolina

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5480919 - 10/20/12 08:09 PM

That's excellent Steve. I'm glad you finally secured (that) one. Looking forward to seeing it.

Post Extras:

akman1955
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 09/07/09

Loc: Alaska, USA

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: PiSigma]
#5480924 - 10/20/12 08:11 PM

Yes Steve, Excellent find and looking forward to future picture.

john

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: PiSigma]
#5480940 - 10/20/12 08:20 PM Attachment (70 downloads)

Thanks everyone! Overall in very good condition. My research pegs this at early 60s. The guy I bought it from purchased it from a widow in the early 80s who's husband died in a car accident. The only issue I am working on is cleaning up the mount - it was stored unboxed in a garage. I will probably have the base of the mount repainted or powder coated.

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5480942 - 10/20/12 08:22 PM Attachment (63 downloads)

Hard to find guidescope with box!

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5480944 - 10/20/12 08:23 PM Attachment (50 downloads)

Legs

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5480946 - 10/20/12 08:25 PM Attachment (46 downloads)

Rusty counterweight. Also stored unboxed in a garage.

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5480949 - 10/20/12 08:27 PM Attachment (52 downloads)

Focuser. Thankfully both the 102 and the 60mm OTAs were stored in their boxes.

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5480951 - 10/20/12 08:28 PM Attachment (43 downloads)

tray

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5480955 - 10/20/12 08:29 PM Attachment (48 downloads)

Hard to find OTA counter weight.

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5480958 - 10/20/12 08:30 PM Attachment (65 downloads)

Will need some careful clean up.

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5480959 - 10/20/12 08:31 PM Attachment (48 downloads)

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5480962 - 10/20/12 08:33 PM Attachment (51 downloads)

Some "extras".

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5480969 - 10/20/12 08:36 PM

It for now. Almost 600 miles the last 2 days. Will try and do some more tomorrow.

One scope arrives, one scope leaves. A friend is coming next Saturday to pick up one of my "surplus" Unitrons!

Steve

Post Extras:

gelkin
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 09/22/10

Loc: Western, MD.

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5481126 - 10/20/12 10:21 PM Attachment (42 downloads)

Wow, very nice Steve.

Love that seperate box for the guide scope. First photo i've seen of one. That 'extra' box would have had tools in it when new. Like a wrench that was with a 128 i once had. Very nice old scope Steve. Congrats to you.

Post Extras:

Grava T
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 06/18/08

Loc: Quebec, Canada

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: gelkin]
#5481525 - 10/21/12 08:00 AM

Excellent score Steve! And separate wooden storage cases for all accessories, I love it. Congrats.

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: Grava T]
#5481529 - 10/21/12 08:05 AM Attachment (41 downloads)

Amazingly, besides the mount box and paperwork & manual, the only piece I have found to be missing is the metal "spring' strip that goes under one of the levels. My speculation is that is why the one was stored in the accy. box. You can see it is in better condition than the one I removed.

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5481530 - 10/21/12 08:08 AM Attachment (37 downloads)

Any suggestions on how to free the base of this mount? I have started with drops of 3-IN-OIL at the seam to see if it can work itself in there.

Post Extras:

davidmcgo
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 10/09/04

Loc: San Diego, CA

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5481648 - 10/21/12 09:53 AM

I'd try something more penetrating like Kanolabs Kroil. Then let it sit a few days.

Dave

Post Extras:

Peter B
member

Reged: 04/17/07

Loc: Parker, Colorado

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: davidmcgo]
#5481855 - 10/21/12 12:13 PM

Great get Steve! I saw your ad on amart for a eq head box, any luck with that? There was a discussion on here a while back about somebody making a copy of the box. Does anyone know if that ever happened? Pete

Post Extras:

apfever
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 05/13/08

Loc: Colorado

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5481888 - 10/21/12 12:39 PM

Quote:

Any suggestions on how to free the base of this mount? I have started with drops of 3-IN-OIL at the seam to see if it can work itself in there.

Steve, you can use the star inserts that are common in dob truss tubes. Then a piece of allthread, a cylinder over the bushing (large socket?), and a washer. Then just tighten a nut on the allthread and draw out the bushing.

If the bushing is aluminum, you might use a spacer board and jug saw to cut the side of the bushing. You could either make two cuts and remove a piece, or make one cut and try to knock the bushing in to loosen it.

Post Extras:

CHASLX200
Post Laureate

Reged: 09/29/07

Loc: Tampa area Florida

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5482125 - 10/21/12 03:26 PM

Quote:

Hard to find guidescope with box!

That mount looks the same as my pre 1955 4" M-160.

Only thing i see diff is that my counter weight rod was smooth not threaded.

Chas

Edited by CHASLX200 (10/21/12 03:28 PM)

Post Extras:

rfic1
sage

Reged: 10/25/05

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5482539 - 10/21/12 07:16 PM

Had a similar problem with one of mine. I used liquid wrench. Took a while but it finally released

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: rfic1]
#5482608 - 10/21/12 08:03 PM

Have never seen a 152 mount with a smooth shaft. Interesting.

Post Extras:

albert1
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 01/01/07

Loc: Southern New Jersey

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: starman876]
#5482878 - 10/21/12 11:31 PM

Great get Steve - congratulations. You'll have a lot of fun restoring, using and just looking at that one I'm sure.

Post Extras:

CHASLX200
Post Laureate

Reged: 09/29/07

Loc: Tampa area Florida

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: starman876]
#5483140 - 10/22/12 06:23 AM

Quote:

Have never seen a 152 mount with a smooth shaft. Interesting.

Try to dig up some old ads back around 1953 to 1956 and you will see the smooth shaft 4" Unitrons. Also my pre 1955 4" had the small focuser, not the the super focuser we see on the 4" Unitrons.
Also the objective was 100mm's not 102mm.

Chas

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: CHASLX200]
#5483256 - 10/22/12 09:04 AM

When they did they switch from the craddle that holds the OTA which is permanently attached versus the craddle that can be removed with the platic nuts.

Post Extras:

CHASLX200
Post Laureate

Reged: 09/29/07

Loc: Tampa area Florida

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: starman876]
#5484121 - 10/22/12 06:25 PM

Quote:

When they did they switch from the craddle that holds the OTA which is permanently attached versus the craddle that can be removed with the platic nuts.

Not really sure. I had another 4" M152 i had bough back in 1986 that was mint. It had a fixed craddle.
The person i bought it from said it had sat in it's boxes for at least 25 years. So that would date it around 1961.

I mean this scope was mint when i got it 1986. Here is a pic of it in 1988.

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: CHASLX200]
#5484201 - 10/22/12 07:23 PM Attachment (35 downloads)

Love the above picture, nice and vintage.

Success on getting the mount apart! This was the only "issue" I was truly concerned about. You can see on the bottom of the shaft where the chalking crept up from the base.

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5484306 - 10/22/12 08:48 PM

I bet that was a relief. Now lets see if you can get it back in

I have had a few where they came out and then for some reason would not go back in without jamming up.

Post Extras:

Napersky
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 01/27/10

Loc: Chicagoland

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: starman876]
#5485683 - 10/23/12 05:13 PM

Congrats Steve I know you have been looking for one for a while!

Post Extras:

mustgobigger
Post Laureate

Reged: 06/12/07

Loc: Michigan

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: Peter B]
#5485762 - 10/23/12 05:51 PM Attachment (37 downloads)

Quote:

Great get Steve! I saw your ad on amart for a eq head box, any luck with that? There was a discussion on here a while back about somebody making a copy of the box. Does anyone know if that ever happened? Pete

that was me...i had a friend make some of the old style
that would fit the mount that the cradle would not
come off.
had to do minor tweaking but they worked out fine.
sold a couple and sadly only have one left.
congrats on a good score...cant wait to see restoration on this one.
heres a picture of my custom box.

Edited by mustgobigger (10/23/12 05:52 PM)

Post Extras:

CHASLX200
Post Laureate

Reged: 09/29/07

Loc: Tampa area Florida

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: starman876]
#5485795 - 10/23/12 06:08 PM

Quote:

I bet that was a relief. Now lets see if you can get it back in I have had a few where they came out and then for some reason would not go back in without jamming up.

Maybe a little wet sanding will smooth things up.

Chas

Post Extras:

akman1955
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 09/07/09

Loc: Alaska, USA

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: CHASLX200]
#5485850 - 10/23/12 06:49 PM

Gongrats steve..

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: akman1955]
#5485882 - 10/23/12 07:07 PM

Thanks guys -
Yes, wet/dry sandpaper should do the trick just fine.

Brian, thanks about the box. I do have someone that offered to sell me theirs. I am double checking with them if it is for a mount that the cradle is fixed.

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: mustgobigger]
#5485967 - 10/23/12 08:08 PM

That is a nice looking box Brian. Maybe I should you buy some mahogany and get out the table saw and see how hard it would be to make one. Are the corners joined or just glued together?

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: starman876]
#5485969 - 10/23/12 08:09 PM

Brian
Did your freind make them for plans or did he make them with an old box as an example?

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: starman876]
#5486061 - 10/23/12 09:18 PM Attachment (35 downloads)

Have spent most my free time working on the mount. Went to move the counterweight to a new spot and the "top" popped off. Amazing all the times we moved it and hauled it here it never came apart, and I never noticed. Always surprised I didn't have 2 weights with this...

Post Extras:

mustgobigger
Post Laureate

Reged: 06/12/07

Loc: Michigan

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: starman876]
#5486201 - 10/23/12 10:47 PM

Quote:

Brian
Did your freind make them for plans or did he make them with an old box as an example?

Johann,
Made from a unitron box as example.

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: mustgobigger]
#5486606 - 10/24/12 08:01 AM

Anyone got a 4" mount box they can loan me to see if I can make one?

Post Extras:

akman1955
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 09/07/09

Loc: Alaska, USA

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: starman876]
#5487274 - 10/24/12 04:27 PM

Johann, you bought my 4" unitron with the eq mount box..

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: akman1955]
#5487490 - 10/24/12 07:02 PM

Oops, let the cat out of the bag. That has a new happy owner. I traded the mount for another scope I really wanted. Need things to look at and things to look through. I think you know what I mean

That mount got me a triplet refractor that when I compared it to some other scopes I have, I quickly sold it. I want that 4" mount back

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: starman876]
#5487555 - 10/24/12 07:56 PM

Quote:

Oops, let the cat out of the bag. That has a new happy owner. I traded the mount for another scope I really wanted. Need things to look at and things to look through. I think you know what I mean That mount got me a triplet refractor that when I compared it to some other scopes I have, I quickly sold it. I want that 4" mount back

Your confusing me, so you have this light - http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/5482599/page/0/view/collapsed/sb/5/o/all/fpart/1 ?

But not the mount? If your light is extra, please send me a PM.

Edited by sgorton99 (10/24/12 07:58 PM)

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5487794 - 10/24/12 10:49 PM

I have the mount and the light. The box and mount mentioned by John was another mount.

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: starman876]
#5493454 - 10/28/12 05:58 PM Attachment (26 downloads)

Starting working on stripping the mount base today. Anyone out there painted one of these before? Happy to hear advice on having it powder coated vs. "rattle can" spray painting. If I powder coat it, I will have to strip the upper portion of this piece as well.

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5493531 - 10/28/12 06:53 PM

you can use the black epoxy paint that they use to paint car springs with. Use 400 wet sandpaper to feather all edges between the unpainted area and old paint. It also would be good to use an automotive primer before painting. Paint using very thin coats to avoid runs. Patience and effort will provide excellent results.

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: starman876]
#5493536 - 10/28/12 06:55 PM

also, make sure there is not lose paint left. Use a brass brush to clean the base completely.

Post Extras:

clintwhitman
Caveman

Reged: 01/01/07

Loc: CALI SoEasyACavemanCanSlewIt

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5493918 - 10/28/12 11:59 PM Attachment (28 downloads)

Steve just strip it with Jasco and paint with black primer maybe some filler, then sand and paint it with rustoleum satin black it looks as close to the original paint as anything out there. 1954 155 some parts are original and some needed paint. You can't tell which are which. I use rubbing compound and wax when the painting is done to finish it off.

Edited by clintwhitman (10/29/12 12:44 AM)

Post Extras:

clintwhitman
Caveman

Reged: 01/01/07

Loc: CALI SoEasyACavemanCanSlewIt

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: clintwhitman]
#5493957 - 10/29/12 12:37 AM Attachment (27 downloads)

1966 Lost Unitron Same thing.

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: clintwhitman]
#5494146 - 10/29/12 06:44 AM

Thanks Clint!

Post Extras:

JonH
super member

Reged: 04/07/12

Loc: Brisbane Australia

Re: Powder coating new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5494160 - 10/29/12 07:10 AM

Stuggled with the question of powder coating vs spray as well. I ended up spraying my Unitron 152 OTA because I was afraid of what the heat of powder coating would do to the baffles. But I went ahead with powder coating the mount because of the knocks it is likely to take during use. Having said that a big advantage of doing a spray job is that it is easy to touch up and if you take care you will end up with a finish like Clint's. I will be posting some pictures of a powder coated mount in the next few days to finish off the Unitron 152 restoration thread I started a while ago.

For those of you on the East Coast: I know there are quite a few Unitron aficionados looking up at the skies as Sandy comes into view. Good luck Guys and I hope the meterologist predictions turn out to be incorrect or at least wildly pessimistic.

Stay Safe

Jon

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: Powder coating new

[Re: JonH]
#5494699 - 10/29/12 01:59 PM

you will find that the epoxy paint is much more durable. Looks exactly like the original color will not need rubbing out and with a coat of wax looks outstanding. It dries slowly and sets up really hard.

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: Powder coating new

[Re: starman876]
#5494710 - 10/29/12 02:03 PM

waiting for Sandy to come visit. Rain and wind right now. Expecting 60 mph winds lots of rain tonight. Some rumors it will stall out on top of us. Hope anyone else in the VA. MD. DC NJ and Deleware area stays safe.

Post Extras:

akman1955
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 09/07/09

Loc: Alaska, USA

Re: Powder coating new

[Re: starman876]
#5496622 - 10/30/12 06:16 PM

Hope you all stay safe..john

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: Powder coating new

[Re: akman1955]
#5496679 - 10/30/12 06:51 PM

Well, it was a rather dull event around here. Thanks God.
I know otheres did not fare as well and my prayers are with them.

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

155 parts prep new

[Re: JonH]
#5498210 - 10/31/12 06:21 PM Attachment (33 downloads)

Got these parts back from bead blasting today. I only had the very base of the mount done and the counterweights, as I am trying to preserve as much of the original as possible.

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: 155 parts prep new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5498213 - 10/31/12 06:22 PM Attachment (25 downloads)

Bottom of mount.

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: 155 parts prep new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5498215 - 10/31/12 06:22 PM Attachment (28 downloads)

weights

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: 155 parts prep new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5498286 - 10/31/12 07:08 PM

Those parts just don't look the same naked

Post Extras:

gelkin
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 09/22/10

Loc: Western, MD.

Re: 155 parts prep new

[Re: starman876]
#5498460 - 10/31/12 09:01 PM

Didn't the manufacturer (N.S.) fill all the imperfections before they painted.

I've seen stripped parts that had a black material in the holes. JB weld would work. Except for powder coating ??? Right ???

Post Extras:

gelkin
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 09/22/10

Loc: Western, MD.

Re: 155 parts prep new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5498473 - 10/31/12 09:14 PM Attachment (29 downloads)

I painted my 128 counter wieght with Rust Oleum textured. It is a fine textured finish that i think looked very much like the original finish on the counter wieght. You would have to fill the casting flaws though first.

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: 155 parts prep new

[Re: gelkin]
#5498521 - 10/31/12 09:49 PM

Quote:

Didn't the manufacturer (N.S.) fill all the imperfections before they painted. I've seen stripped parts that had a black material in the holes. JB weld would work. Except for powder coating ??? Right ???

I'm wondering if this is more a sign of the years the weight spent in the garage having rust eat away at it. I'm not sure with the amount of filler I would need to use and smooth out, I will end up with a better result.

Post Extras:

Compressorguy
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 03/14/09

Loc: Clayton, NC

Re: 155 parts prep new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5498560 - 10/31/12 10:09 PM Attachment (26 downloads)

Found this at Advance Auto. It is a high build formula sandable "filler" primer. It worked good for filling pits (fairly deep) in the tube of my RV-6. I guess it just depends on how "slick" you want it and how much sanding you care to do.

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: 155 parts prep new

[Re: Compressorguy]
#5499744 - 11/01/12 07:02 PM Attachment (28 downloads)

Primed the weights today. The guy at the garage strongly recommended priming as soon as possible. After only 1 day I could see "flash" rust already lightly forming on the bare metal. Lightly sanded, then steel wool, washed in soapy water, rinsed and then paper towel dried followed by my wife's hair drier before I primed. Was also advised to brush
paint the primer to better penetrate and get in nooks and crannies. Will then lightly steel wool and do another coat of primer tomorrow night. After studying original pictures, and advice from a friend, decided to use wrinkle coat spray paint for final coats. This appears to be the closest to how these were originally. Here is the "before" shot again...

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: 155 parts prep new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5499746 - 11/01/12 07:04 PM Attachment (32 downloads)

Primed (one coat).

Post Extras:

clintwhitman
Caveman

Reged: 01/01/07

Loc: CALI SoEasyACavemanCanSlewIt

Re: 155 parts prep new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5500448 - 11/02/12 06:22 AM

Post Extras:

teddyk1
professor emeritus

Reged: 09/11/09

Loc: Wisconsin

Re: 155 parts prep new

[Re: clintwhitman]
#5500911 - 11/02/12 12:54 PM

Steve that bead blasting is really nice job

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: 155 parts prep new

[Re: teddyk1]
#5502666 - 11/03/12 05:13 PM Attachment (21 downloads)

Small weight is done and drying. Waiting until tomorrow to finish the other one so I can check for sure how I like this one. So far so good

Post Extras:

CHASLX200
Post Laureate

Reged: 09/29/07

Loc: Tampa area Florida

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5502750 - 11/03/12 06:09 PM

Is the tube on this scope brass with two weights insise of the tube?

Chas

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: CHASLX200]
#5502776 - 11/03/12 06:28 PM

Quote:

Is the tube on this scope brass with two weights insise of the tube?

Chas

Not brass, don't see weights inside (just baffles).

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5505765 - 11/05/12 06:08 PM Attachment (18 downloads)

Not easy to take a pic of the finished counterweights and get the right lighting/flash/glare combo, but here is a before and after picture.

Post Extras:

teddyk1
professor emeritus

Reged: 09/11/09

Loc: Wisconsin

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5505798 - 11/05/12 06:31 PM

Looks Great

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5505856 - 11/05/12 07:27 PM

looks good

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: starman876]
#5512756 - 11/10/12 07:24 AM

Sorry for the slow progress...

I was getting an oil change earlier this week at our local garage and talking to the owner, who was happily showing me his "new' bubble top gas pump from the 1930s. I started talking to him about painting the aluminum on the base of the mount, and he told me to bring it in and he could do it for me. He has better equipment and experience than I do by far! He thought might be done by end of next week. I also found a friend who is going to build a mount box for me, but I want to give him the complete mount as a guide as he is designing the interior.

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5525660 - 11/18/12 08:16 AM Attachment (31 downloads)

Well, deer season here in WI interrupted my mount painting garage owner (and winter car business!). So, picked up the mount base and took the complete mount to my carpenter friend who is building a box for me. I gave him pictures of what the original looked like, and asked for some extra nooks and crannies for storing goodies.

Yesterday I also received the lens w/cell pictured below that was surplus for someone else and they gave me a good price on it. Sent it to D&G Optical (Barry) for a professional servicing and new spacers (missing 2). Depending how that goes, will send the original lens that came with this scope for servicing. I know I could clean it myself with all the good advice I have received here, but like the idea of having it professionally done (and tested) the first time.

Edited by sgorton99 (11/18/12 08:18 AM)

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5525754 - 11/18/12 09:28 AM

You scored a lens. Grest find. I can only say that there are not many of these available. I know that Unitron near the end of their support started using Edmund lenses. They had to machine out the cell a couple of MM to make it fit. However, at $1000 not many people went for this option.

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: starman876]
#5526282 - 11/18/12 02:51 PM Attachment (25 downloads)

Well, my "box guy" worked much faster than I thought. Here is the exterior.

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5526285 - 11/18/12 02:53 PM Attachment (19 downloads)

I asked him to make it larger than needed so I could store additional acc. inside. He also left the mount holders loose so I could position them when I set the mount for my latitude.

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5526286 - 11/18/12 02:53 PM Attachment (21 downloads)

Last one with inside of lid. Note the holders for control rods.

Post Extras:

akman1955
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 09/07/09

Loc: Alaska, USA

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5526682 - 11/18/12 07:32 PM

Very nice box for your mount!

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: akman1955]
#5526692 - 11/18/12 07:38 PM

Thanks John. I am going to stain the outside very light to match the Unitron boxes, followed by a coat of varnish or 2. My carpenter friend recommends also varnishing the inside to help protect from moisture and warping. Do you guys thinks this will harm anything inside?

I will also use felt on the mount contact areas.

Post Extras:

akman1955
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 09/07/09

Loc: Alaska, USA

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5526701 - 11/18/12 07:41 PM

thats a good question about the inside of the box. all of my unitron boxs are unfinished inside of them. I wonder if there was a reason for that? john

Post Extras:

greju
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 10/13/05

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5526765 - 11/18/12 08:18 PM

There is a reason all the wood boxes "classics" came in are unfinished. While your carpenter friend looks like they do nice work he could learn a little from Norm Abrams about the finishing process.

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: greju]
#5526776 - 11/18/12 08:23 PM

Quote:

There is a reason all the wood boxes "classics" came in are unfinished. While your carpenter friend looks like they do nice work he could learn a little from Norm Abrams about the finishing process.

Could you elaborate please?

Post Extras:

greju
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 10/13/05

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5526783 - 11/18/12 08:26 PM

It needs to breathe.

Post Extras:

clintwhitman
Caveman

Reged: 01/01/07

Loc: CALI SoEasyACavemanCanSlewIt

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5527400 - 11/19/12 07:11 AM Attachment (13 downloads)

Steve the new lens looks great, sending it to Barry is a great idea he is very good at what he does and this is right up his alley. The box looks great as to finishes it is really up to you. My best cases are pelican cases and they don't breath,,, Your mount is a very close match to the 1954 mount I have. Is there a built in clutch incorporated in the knob on the other side of the mount?

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: clintwhitman]
#5527403 - 11/19/12 07:22 AM

Thanks Clint. No, both knobs are smooth with no clutch.

Post Extras:

teddyk1
professor emeritus

Reged: 09/11/09

Loc: Wisconsin

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5527448 - 11/19/12 08:07 AM

Looks beautiful Steve
Like to ask you if you had any problems adjusting the the worm gear for play

Post Extras:

akman1955
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 09/07/09

Loc: Alaska, USA

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: clintwhitman]
#5527449 - 11/19/12 08:08 AM

I think the wood case unfinished inside were a old fashion way of getting rid of moisture where new case's use dessicate for removing moisture hence why they were sealed.. just a thought. john

Post Extras:

teddyk1
professor emeritus

Reged: 09/11/09

Loc: Wisconsin

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: akman1955]
#5527466 - 11/19/12 08:27 AM

I would guess contamination
Varnish will emit vapors for a long time
Not a good thing for optics

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: teddyk1]
#5527567 - 11/19/12 09:51 AM

Great looking mount box. Did he make that just form pictures or did the carpenter have some measurements to go by?

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: starman876]
#5527574 - 11/19/12 09:53 AM

Also, most of the mount boxes had the holder for the counterwieght covered with sheet metal so the counterweight could not break free through the wood and damage the mount.

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: starman876]
#5527883 - 11/19/12 12:50 PM

Quote:

Great looking mount box. Did he make that just form pictures or did the carpenter have some measurements to go by?

Thanks. A combination of pictures and using the mount itself for fitting and sizing. I'm leaning toward not varnishing - maybe just staining the outside. I also will be using felt to cushion the mount and under the weights. This box is really for storing, I will not be shipping the mount in it or anything like that.

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5528009 - 11/19/12 01:43 PM

I noticed the grain on the wood holding the counterweights is vertical. The grain should be going horizontal. The vertical way is the weakest way to build something to hold something heavy. Could very easily break along the grain should you put the box down hard accidently.

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: starman876]
#5553471 - 12/04/12 07:35 AM

Dropped the base of the mount off yesterday at my local garage for painting (again). Now that it is post-deer hunting season in WI he should have more time! I promise to post pictures someday of the whole package back together...

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5623285 - 01/14/13 07:34 PM Attachment (25 downloads)

My second or "back-up" Unitron lens arrived today, freshly cleaned from D&G Optical with new spacers (two were missing). Also making progress on painting the mount base, but need a tad warmer weather here before another coat of paint.

Impressed with D&G and the cleaning, just need to be patient as this took 2 months. Barry was able to get almost all of the white "ghosts" off. I can see coating losses from presumably prior poor cleanings, but overall very nice for a 50+ year old lens. Don't you love how the camera shows those tiny specs of dust?

Post Extras:

RLTYS
Post Laureate

Reged: 12/18/04

Loc: New York (Long Island)

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5623870 - 01/15/13 06:36 AM

Nice looking.

Rich (RLTYS)

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: RLTYS]
#5624198 - 01/15/13 11:10 AM

Nice looking lens. soon you will have more 4" scopes then you know what to do with. Maybe a binocular Unitron is in the future plans

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: starman876]
#5624288 - 01/15/13 12:11 PM

Quote:

Nice looking lens. soon you will have more 4" scopes then you know what to do with. Maybe a binocular Unitron is in the future plans

Thanks! I spoke with Barry at D&G this morning. He said the lens tested out very well. He did say there are a couple of residual spots he did not get off because he was afraid he would then have to refigure the lens with too much polishing. He prefers to keep the old Unitron lenses as original as possible if the quality is there. He also told me DON'T mess with the small screws in the front, just use the outside large screws for collimating.

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5624355 - 01/15/13 12:56 PM

Interesting you mention those small screws. I have found several Unitron that were not colimated properly. Maybe because the tube was not square with lens cell and focuser. You can make slight adjustments with those screws, but it is never enough. I am sure that Unitron quality in the begining made sure that everything was squared up, but in later years the adjustable cells became the norm.

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: starman876]
#5641184 - 01/24/13 06:12 PM

Sent the original lens that came with this scope to Barry at D&G today. Now that I have a second lens back in my hands, felt safer sending this one off. There are some minor fungus issues (after being stored in a garage in St. Paul, MN for 15 years), so I really wanted Barry to do the cleaning for me. Sorry this has been so slow...

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5649045 - 01/28/13 07:33 PM Attachment (14 downloads)

Still too cold here to spray paint the mount base (maybe tomorrow), so decided to take all the hardware off of the OTA and give it a nice clean up. I only used mild cleaner to get the grunge off, but what really made the big difference was a mild car wax. Not as good at detailing the picture history like PiSigma, but hopefully you get the idea.

Post Extras:

Bill Griffith
sage

Reged: 08/12/09

Loc: Ca.

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5649357 - 01/28/13 10:09 PM

Steve,

I'm drooling over this instrument! Looks GREAT!!

I said it before,but worth stating again An original assy. of mount and OTA from the late 50's to early early 60's is pretty rare to find.

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: Bill Griffith]
#5649368 - 01/28/13 10:14 PM

Thanks Bill, I'm really enjoying working on getting this scope up and running. Wish it was going faster, but I want to do it right (or at least the best I can).
Steve

Post Extras:

PiSigma
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 10/14/09

Loc: North Carolina

Re: Unitron 155 102mm new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5649933 - 01/29/13 09:48 AM

Lookin' good Steve. I'll be interested to hear how the original lens turns out.

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Unitron 155 level screws new

[Re: PiSigma]
#5812620 - 04/21/13 09:49 AM Attachment (8 downloads)

Finally making progress on painting the mount base with the weather slightly improving here in WI. 2 coats of primer and the first coat of satin black done. Now, trying to get the screws I need for the bubble levels and how they attach to the mount. Went to the hardware store yesterday, but that funny Unitron thread size is hard to find. Anyone know a source for these?

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 level screws new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5812621 - 04/21/13 09:50 AM Attachment (6 downloads)

Another

Post Extras:

terraclarke
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 05/29/12

Loc: Over the river and thru the wo...

Re: Unitron 155 level screws new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5812672 - 04/21/13 10:15 AM

Into the 1950s Japan, while metric had a different thread standard than Europe, so some of these old Japanese machine screws are very hard to replace with modern equivalents due to small variations in thread pitch and depth. Other possible sources for actual replacements of the screws might be folks who are restoring vintage Japanese motor cycles and bicycles, or WWII Japanese weaponry. Have you put a thread gage and micrometer on them?

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: Unitron 155 level screws new

[Re: terraclarke]
#5812735 - 04/21/13 10:45 AM

Steve
Let me check my parts bin. If I have them I will send them to you. If all else fails you can get similar looking screws and tap new threads into the mount. I have been looking into making my mini mill into a CNC mill. It looks like the parts cost more than the mill cost me. However, it will enable me to make a lot of parts and also these very unsual threaded parts. I have so many different mounts and I was almost mystified how many different thread pitches I found even between the same model mounts.

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 level screws new

[Re: starman876]
#5812742 - 04/21/13 10:47 AM

Thanks Johann!

Post Extras:

terraclarke
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 05/29/12

Loc: Over the river and thru the wo...

Re: Unitron 155 level screws new

[Re: starman876]
#5812773 - 04/21/13 11:02 AM

Speaking of nuts and bolts.....

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: Unitron 155 level screws new

[Re: terraclarke]
#5812816 - 04/21/13 11:21 AM

Nuts, oh yeah. Oh wait, whats still in my wallet

Post Extras:

Dave M
Postmaster

Reged: 08/03/04

Loc: N.E.Ohio

Re: Unitron 155 level screws new

[Re: starman876]
#5812827 - 04/21/13 11:28 AM

Steve, looks like the scope is coming along, looking Great!

Post Extras:

Ron500E
member

Reged: 06/01/12

Loc: Illinois, near the River Styx

Re: Unitron 155 level screws new

[Re: terraclarke]
#5813271 - 04/21/13 02:53 PM

Steve:

Have you tried Metric and Multistandard Components Corp.?
They have both an amazing selection of those "hard to get" items and sell in small quantities. Large selection of different head sizes, pan, cheese, cross, etc.
I have been using them for decades and highly recommended them. They also have a selection British Thread items, BSW,BSF, BA etc.
Tools also.
www.metricmcc.com/

Kind Regards,

Ron

Post Extras:

terraclarke
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 05/29/12

Loc: Over the river and thru the wo...

Re: Unitron 155 level screws new

[Re: starman876]
#5813596 - 04/21/13 05:35 PM

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 level screws new

[Re: terraclarke]
#5813618 - 04/21/13 05:49 PM Attachment (10 downloads)

Patience Terra

! Got another coat of paint on the mount today and worked on fabricating a missing "spring" which is part of the bubble level holder. The one on bottom is the original Unitron one. These are mostly covered up by the level itself.

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: Unitron 155 level screws new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5813637 - 04/21/13 06:00 PM

I like the one on the bottom better

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 level screws new

[Re: starman876]
#5813665 - 04/21/13 06:09 PM

Yes, I may take another crack at it as I have extra material to use. I am NOT a metal worker! But, as I said - you really can't see it when installed

...

Post Extras:

Ron500E
member

Reged: 06/01/12

Loc: Illinois, near the River Styx

Re: Unitron 155 level screws new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5813849 - 04/21/13 07:01 PM

Quote:

Patience Terra ! Got another coat of paint on the mount today and worked on fabricating a missing "spring" which is part of the bubble level holder. The one on bottom is the original Unitron one. These are mostly covered up by the level itself.

Looks like an electronic contact for a switch, check the Digi-Key or Newark (Element 33 now, I think) catalogue for pretty much exactly what you need.

Ron

Post Extras:

terraclarke
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 05/29/12

Loc: Over the river and thru the wo...

Re: Unitron 155 level screws new

[Re: Ron500E]
#5813927 - 04/21/13 08:01 PM

She will be truly gorgeous when you finish her up Steve. She already is. You have taken a diamond that had reverted back to a diamond in the rough and restored all its original luster. You should be very proud. You have a real gem there.

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 level screws new

[Re: terraclarke]
#5813968 - 04/21/13 08:24 PM Attachment (9 downloads)

Thanks Terra. Here is the mount after 2 coats of paint (2 coats of primer first) with light sanding in between. Plan on one more very light sanding after a few days and then hopefully the final coat. If you look way back in this thread, you will see how it started out, as the mount was stored un-boxed in a garage in MN for 10+ years.

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 level screws new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5813970 - 04/21/13 08:25 PM Attachment (6 downloads)

The screws in this pic are sacrificial to protect the threads during painting. The other holes you see are not threaded, just for the screws on the bubble level to "flow through".

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: Unitron 155 level screws new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5814146 - 04/21/13 09:43 PM

Looks awesome Steve. You are doing a great job

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: Unitron 155 level screws new

[Re: starman876]
#5814153 - 04/21/13 09:45 PM

That spring for the level may have been made for something else and adapted by Unitron sub contractor.

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: Unitron 155 level screws new

[Re: starman876]
#5814238 - 04/21/13 10:05 PM

http://www.leveldevelopments.com/instrument-spirit-levels.htm

interesting looking levels. I have been hunting for the spring you need and found this web site

Post Extras:

mustgobigger
Post Laureate

Reged: 06/12/07

Loc: Michigan

Re: Unitron 155 level screws new

[Re: starman876]
#5814323 - 04/21/13 10:33 PM

steve...let me look tomorrow...i might have a spring for you.
last time i looked i had a new looking one laying around
somewhere.

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 level screws new

[Re: mustgobigger]
#5814340 - 04/21/13 10:42 PM

Thanks Brian and Johann!

Post Extras:

terraclarke
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 05/29/12

Loc: Over the river and thru the wo...

Re: Unitron 155 level screws new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5814842 - 04/22/13 09:00 AM

I well remember that Steve. I have followed this thread from the start. I am always amazed and befuddled as to how anyone could ever treat something so beautiful and well built the way the previous owner did.

You are lucky that you have the skills and patience to do such an amazing job. That is an example of real TLC.

Terra

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: Unitron 155 level screws new

[Re: terraclarke]
#5817880 - 04/23/13 04:07 PM

Steve

Check out this website and see if there is anything you can use for your spring. It does look interesting

http://www.springsandthings.com/flat.html

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 level screws new

[Re: starman876]
#5818349 - 04/23/13 06:44 PM

Thanks Johann. Any luck with those screws?

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: Unitron 155 level screws new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5818421 - 04/23/13 07:00 PM

I will look tonight. Have been really busy. Need to pack a couple of things up also.

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 level screws new

[Re: starman876]
#5818428 - 04/23/13 07:05 PM

Quote:

I will look tonight. Have been really busy. Need to pack a couple of things up also.

Thanks!

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: Unitron 155 level screws new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5819518 - 04/24/13 11:04 AM

I did find some of the screws. Send me a PM with your address and I will send them to you.

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: Unitron 155 level screws new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5819552 - 04/24/13 11:21 AM

From the way the spring is made it almost looks like a mill made the ends with a milling bit to make the cut resluting in the rounded part of the slot. If you cannot find the exact part you can purchase a small milling bit and just use your drill press to make the slot. Just an idea not a sermon

of course a cheap xy milling table from Harbor Freight would help.

Edited by starman876 (04/24/13 01:52 PM)

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 level screws new

[Re: starman876]
#5819683 - 04/24/13 12:29 PM

Quote:

I did find some of the screws. Send me a PM with your address and I will send them to you.

Thanks - PM sent.

Post Extras:

neotesla
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 11/18/10

Loc: Canada

Re: Unitron 155 level screws new

[Re: starman876]
#5819897 - 04/24/13 02:15 PM

Quote:

From the way the spring is made it almost looks like a mill made the ends with a milling bit to make the cut resluting in the rounded part of the slot. If you cannot find the exact part you can purchase a small milling bit and just use your drill press to make the slot. Just an idea not a sermon
of course a cheap xy milling table from Harbor Freight would help.

Another way would be to drill a hole where the rounded part is then use tin snips to cut into the sides of the hole...

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: Unitron 155 level screws new

[Re: neotesla]
#5820142 - 04/24/13 04:14 PM

that is true

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Unitron 155 mount painted new

[Re: starman876]
#5822875 - 04/25/13 07:23 PM Attachment (8 downloads)

Hopefully this is the last painting of the mount base. 2 coats of primer and 3 black. I will touch up the upper portion of the mount, as I did not have that part stripped to preserve as much of the original as I could. When thoroughly dry, will buff to better match with the rest of the mount.

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Unitron 155 mount together (mostly) new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5828539 - 04/28/13 02:50 PM Attachment (6 downloads)

Couldn't resist getting this back together for a photo-op. I HAVE resisted putting this on the tripod, because I really want the paint to cure for a while longer.

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Unitron 155 progress new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5829060 - 04/28/13 08:37 PM Attachment (5 downloads)

Some progress on the tripod tray today as well. Before and after pic.

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: Unitron 155 progress new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5829328 - 04/28/13 11:15 PM

Looks good Steve

Post Extras:

nightpilot
member

Reged: 02/16/12

Loc: Southern Suburbs, Chicago

Re: Unitron 155 mount together (mostly) new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5830471 - 04/29/13 03:09 PM

This looks very nice Steve. Looking forward to seeing it all together. I know you have commented about proceeding slowly with the restoration and it looks definitely worth it.

Bob

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: Unitron 155 mount together (mostly) new

[Re: nightpilot]
#5830579 - 04/29/13 03:51 PM

I have heard of taking your time. This is almost a career

Just teasing Steve. You are doing a great job.

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 mount together (mostly) new

[Re: starman876]
#5830749 - 04/29/13 05:24 PM

Thanks guys!
Any luck with those screws Johann?

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Unitron 155 coming along new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5850767 - 05/09/13 07:38 PM Attachment (6 downloads)

I'm going to need a higher ceiling.

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: Unitron 155 coming along new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5850787 - 05/09/13 07:44 PM

I have 8 foot ceilings and I just do not leave them set up anymore. Dings in the ceiling, my son running into the counterweight ( it is funny)

and tripping over the tripod.

Post Extras:

terraclarke
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 05/29/12

Loc: Over the river and thru the wo...

Re: Unitron 155 coming along new

[Re: starman876]
#5850823 - 05/09/13 07:58 PM

Absolutely beautiful restoration job Steve. Just wonderful. I really admire your patience for detail.

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 coming along new

[Re: terraclarke]
#5851099 - 05/09/13 10:53 PM

Thanks Terra, and thanks Johann for the screws I need

Post Extras:

terraclarke
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 05/29/12

Loc: Over the river and thru the wo...

Re: Unitron 155 coming along new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5851152 - 05/09/13 11:32 PM

Yes, thank Johann indeed. I got a much needed tripod bolt just a week or so ago from none other than our dear Johann.

Post Extras:

nightpilot
member

Reged: 02/16/12

Loc: Southern Suburbs, Chicago

Re: Unitron 155 coming along new

[Re: terraclarke]
#5851955 - 05/10/13 12:53 PM

Every shot looks better and better. You are not alone on the higher ceilings thing. My scopes have been banished to the lower levels of the home. Pretty tight.

In reality banished is probably a most strong term. It is probably the best place.

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: Unitron 155 coming along new

[Re: nightpilot]
#5852218 - 05/10/13 03:31 PM

if you are married the proper term is banished

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Unitron 155 oh so close now new

[Re: starman876]
#5855338 - 05/12/13 12:00 PM Attachment (11 downloads)

Not 100% done, but getting close!

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 oh so close now new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5855342 - 05/12/13 12:02 PM Attachment (11 downloads)

And with my ugly mug for size comparison - I am 6' tall. I did not attach the guidescope or sliding weight bar yet, but it is Mother's day after all!

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: Unitron 155 oh so close now new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5855581 - 05/12/13 02:11 PM

Great restoration. Now it is your turn

Post Extras:

clintwhitman
Caveman

Reged: 01/01/07

Loc: CALI SoEasyACavemanCanSlewIt

Re: Unitron 155 oh so close now new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5855637 - 05/12/13 02:41 PM

Very nice Steve, Great looking 152, not many like this around. I can relate to the 1950s details. Few folks know how much better the machining, fit and finish are on these than the later models. Also the optics on the older OTAs seem to all be very good.

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 oh so close now new

[Re: clintwhitman]
#5855759 - 05/12/13 03:30 PM

Thanks. Clint, with the guide scope and sliding counterweight attached, does it become a 155?

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: Unitron 155 oh so close now new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5855944 - 05/12/13 05:21 PM

I believe that answer can be found in the Unitron catalog

Post Extras:

Bill Griffith
sage

Reged: 08/12/09

Loc: Ca.

Re: Unitron 155 oh so close now new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5857037 - 05/13/13 09:11 AM

Steve,

The transformation from last Oct. is impressive

An early 152, being an original unit is a rarity would be my guess.

Have you decided on which objective?

I hope it's now just the motor drive that you would need for a 155 transformation.

Great thread!

Thanks

Bill

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

4" Unitron latitude adjuster new

[Re: Bill Griffith]
#5859216 - 05/14/13 07:04 AM Attachment (6 downloads)

Anyone have this, only about 1/2" shorter? My scope originally came from FL area, and just can't adjust to my WI 43 degrees. I would be happy to swap with some of my southern friends!

Edited by sgorton99 (05/14/13 07:06 AM)

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: 4" Unitron latitude adjuster new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5859219 - 05/14/13 07:06 AM Attachment (6 downloads)

Max length.

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: 4" Unitron latitude adjuster new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5859220 - 05/14/13 07:06 AM Attachment (3 downloads)

Pieces.

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

4" Unitron latitude adjuster new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5859235 - 05/14/13 07:19 AM

One solution suggested is to have a machinist cut about 1/2" from the threaded screw and the collar, but that would certainly be permanent.

Post Extras:

Compressorguy
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 03/14/09

Loc: Clayton, NC

Re: 4" Unitron latitude adjuster new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5859279 - 05/14/13 07:54 AM

Absolutely beautiful resto Steve. Congrats on a fine job.

Post Extras:

clintwhitman
Caveman

Reged: 01/01/07

Loc: CALI SoEasyACavemanCanSlewIt

Re: Unitron 155 oh so close now new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5859396 - 05/14/13 09:04 AM

Quote:

Thanks. Clint, with the guide scope and sliding counterweight attached, does it become a 155?

You're getting close, Add a shelf light (small thread version) and it would be a full 155. Find the bracket and electric drive and you would have a 155E.
Then the 160 would have an extra slow motion control on the DEC (for guiding) A metal tripod tray and a notch in the mount base for the weight drive linkage.
As to your turnbuckle dilemma. I might have a short turn buckle from the lost unitron, My first 4" came from Norway and Peter at Unitron sent me a longer one for a hefty fee. I will have to do some digging and see if I still have the short one!!

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: 4" Unitron latitude adjuster new

[Re: Compressorguy]
#5859397 - 05/14/13 09:04 AM

I am looking Steve. I know I had a shorter one. I do not think I sold it with a mount. I looked last night, but did not have time to look through everything. I remember selling a mount and the guy complained about the shorter adjuster and sent it back and I sent him a longer one.

Post Extras:

clintwhitman
Caveman

Reged: 01/01/07

Loc: CALI SoEasyACavemanCanSlewIt

Re: Unitron 155 oh so close now new

[Re: clintwhitman]
#5859424 - 05/14/13 09:23 AM Attachment (8 downloads)

The short one I have is a later model and takes threaded bolt from both sides. Also as I remember the original long one peter sent me only had one bolt with it so I used one of my original bolts, now I have a short reversed thread center nut and one bolt. You might call Peter at unitron and see if he has any more. he was have a local reproduce these. I measured the one on my old 152 and it is the same exact one as you have And in my opinion much cooler than the new ones!

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: Unitron 155 oh so close now new

[Re: clintwhitman]
#5859642 - 05/14/13 11:22 AM

I do not think Unitron has much left

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 oh so close now new

[Re: starman876]
#5859890 - 05/14/13 01:11 PM

Clint, is it possible the partial pieces you have left could be used with pieces from mine to make a shorter whole piece?

Peter at Unitron says they are all out.

Post Extras:

clintwhitman
Caveman

Reged: 01/01/07

Loc: CALI SoEasyACavemanCanSlewIt

Re: Unitron 155 oh so close now new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5861395 - 05/15/13 02:22 AM

No because the turnbuckle is threaded on both ends of the newer ones. Set you scope to polaris and get a measurement of the length you need and send the part to Bob Burns to fashion a new one in brass. and keep the old one safe. Very rare thing you have there. Don't cut it up. Also I have seen this guy advertising send him a drawing for a quote JON

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 oh so close now new

[Re: clintwhitman]
#5861539 - 05/15/13 06:46 AM

Thanks Clint, the hunt is on...

Johann, please let me know if you find the shorter one. I will hold off on chopping this one up (for now).

PiSigma has the opposite problem with his 4" in SC, unfortunately his is a little different design than mine and we can't just swap out. He suggested we start an exchange program for these so people can trade as they live in different parts of the country and needs change.

Steve

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: Unitron 155 oh so close now new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5861583 - 05/15/13 07:44 AM

Steve

I have a few more boxes to go through. Will let you know tonight.

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: Unitron 155 oh so close now new

[Re: starman876]
#5862935 - 05/15/13 06:57 PM

Steve

The shoter one I found is the newer style that is octagon shaped one. Total length is from pin center to pin center is 2" adjusted all the way in.
Johann

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 oh so close now new

[Re: starman876]
#5862948 - 05/15/13 07:08 PM

That should work, what is the max length? At 2 3/8" for screw hole to screw hold I can't quite get short enough. Can you send me a pic against a ruler? Thanks!

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: Unitron 155 oh so close now new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5862965 - 05/15/13 07:23 PM

Cant tonight. On my way out the door for dinner.

Stay tune

Post Extras:

terraclarke
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 05/29/12

Loc: Over the river and thru the wo...

Re: Unitron 155 oh so close now new

[Re: starman876]
#5863425 - 05/15/13 10:59 PM

Beautiful Job Steve. You have a gorgeous telescope there.

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 oh so close now new

[Re: Bill Griffith]
#5863853 - 05/16/13 07:36 AM

Quote:

Steve,

The transformation from last Oct. is impressive

An early 152, being an original unit is a rarity would be my guess.

Have you decided on which objective?

I hope it's now just the motor drive that you would need for a 155 transformation.

Great thread!

Thanks

Bill

Thanks Bill. I'm still waiting for the second objective to come back from Barry at D&G. It has been there for almost 4 months now. I have frequently been told by Barry that it is "shipping this week".

Post Extras:

Jon Marinello
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 09/21/10

Loc: Santa Barbara, CA

Re: Unitron 155 oh so close now new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5864167 - 05/16/13 10:52 AM

WOW Steve! Nice!

Post Extras:

Bill Griffith
sage

Reged: 08/12/09

Loc: Ca.

Re: Unitron 155 oh so close now new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5864278 - 05/16/13 11:42 AM

I apprenticed for a very old school tool and dye mold maker.

In my studies I came away with a statement as well as a grumpy attitude when being rushed.
"You can have it RIGHT, or you can have it NOW, but you can't have it RIGHT NOW"!

I feel your pain!!

It will be worth it!!

Bill

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 oh so close now new

[Re: Bill Griffith]
#5866515 - 05/17/13 07:12 AM

Thanks Bill. It is not the 4 months that it bothering me so much, it is the assertions that it is "shipping this week" and then a month later you find out it really hasn't left yet.

Post Extras:

Bill Griffith
sage

Reged: 08/12/09

Loc: Ca.

Re: Unitron 155 oh so close now new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5867193 - 05/17/13 01:28 PM

Yep,

I hope I didn't misrepresent my thoughts in my previous statement Steve.

It is much more palatable to use the engineering method; make you best estimate double it and that's what you tell your customer!

The customer may be disappointed in the beginning, but it's better than an excuse.

Artisans are a funny clan, they have the best intentions.

Bill

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Unitron 155 oh so close now new

[Re: Bill Griffith]
#5867868 - 05/17/13 06:15 PM

Yep, the update today is it is done and tested out great! Shipping Monday or Tuesday....

Post Extras:

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