Fixing a disconnect type bar linkage

[Kritta]

Picked up an old smith corona from a bookshop where I use to work, Aunt Carol, the shop owner gave it to me, I'm not 100% sure on the model, but it's one of the portables from the '60s or early '70s, it wasn't exactly at its best but I felt I could touch it up, except one of the type bars isn't actuating, like the key feels dead, and after popping off the cover, I saw that the linkage from the key lever to the type bar arm is just... hanging, it doesn't look broken, just disconnected, I haven't tried bending or forcing anything yet, wanted to ask here first before I make things worse

Appreciate any tips, its my first time digging into one of these this far

 

[Blues Writer]

If the linkage's just hanging and not broken, it might've slipped off its pivot or clip. Don't force it, try gently reseating it...a dental pick or tweezers helps.

 

[phdezra]

@Kritta Sounds like Aunt Carol passed along a lovely little project! From your description, it's likely that IMHO the type bar linkage (or connecting wire) has just popped out of its key lever or type bar segment. That's not uncommon, especially on mid-century Smith-Corona portables—they're pretty modular, which makes them fairly forgiving for first-time repairs.

A few things to check:

1. No forcing! @Blues Writer is totally right to pause before bending anything. These linkages are usually a small, hooked wire or slotted piece that connects the key lever to the universal bar or type bar arm, and they should just sit in place under a bit of tension.
2. With the cover off, gently press the dead key and watch the motion—see where the linkage is free-floating. You might be able to guide it back into the slot or pin it's meant to rest on.
3. If the others are still intact, use a working key as a reference—check both ends of the linkage so you know what the proper connection looks like.
4. A small narrow tweezers helps if your fingers can't fit under the segment area. Flashlight, too!

If you can post a close-up photo of the linkage area, someone here can probably point to the exact spot it should sit—sometimes it's a quick snap-back fix. Good luck, and welcome to the rabbit hole —next thing you know you'll be degreasing escapements at 2am.

Ezra

 

[PolarSystem]

next thing you know you'll be degreasing escapements at 2am.

Well this sounds like fun

Anyway, I'm curious about something with typewriters. Are there people who fix them, you know, like you take your car to a mechanic? I'm one foot in the rabbit hole and I'm trying to figure out if I'll end up paying for people to fix whatever antique piece I get, or I'll need to become the expert myself?

 

[phdezra]

@PolarSystem Ah, the slippery slope from curiosity to chasing a sticky escapement at 2 a.m. under a desk lamp .

There are still a few seasoned typewriter mechanics out there — real 'smiths' who can true a bent typebar, dress a worn platen, or coax a balky universal bar back into service. But they're rare birds.

Most of us eventually pick up the basics — cleaning segment slots, adjusting linkages, tinkering with the ribbon vibrator — not because we set out to be experts, but because these old machines have a way of pulling you in key by key. Before you know it, you're elbow-deep in degreaser, muttering about escapement teeth, and wondering when you started using words like 'trip point' in casual conversation. LOL

Ezra

 

[RibbonJockey]

Wow, that's pure gold! It's like I just caught a sneak peek of my future while sitting under a desk lamp, whispering to myself about all these trip points. Count me in

 

[r0yale_98]

I think Ezra here pretty much said everything that's needed. But @Kritta does the key feel totally loose or is there some resistance when pressed? That can help tell if the part is just out of place or bent. Also, look for old grease or dirt near the area as it can get in the way. A soft clean might make the fix easier.

 

[phdezra]

@r0yale_98

 

[daGameHHH]

Have you seen this?

 

[typistman]

Have you seen this?

Wow, nowThis typewriter is Working very good !