DS 160 selector key replacement

rjetx · by **rjetx** » Mon Dec 01, 2014 12:15 am

Happy thanksgiving!
You all have helped me I the past with a wurlitzer 3100, and now I have a project DS 160. I'm waiting for Ron Rich's mech guide to arrive before tackling the furry mechanism, but in the meantime I'm working on cosmetics.

The 6&7 keys were broken and I have replacements. I'm trying to figure out how I get the panel off so I can replace the keys. Any guidance would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

RJ

by **Ron Rich** » Mon Dec 01, 2014 12:49 am

Hi RJ,
Thanks for buying the guide !
Going from my great but not too long memory, on that model, you must first remove the TES, then the buttons just "push down"--Hint: FIRST, use some masking tape all along the fronts of the buttons. Leave it semi loose on the ones that you are going to replace--push the old buttons out--re-attach the copper colored "spring" and shove the new button in from the bottom--tight to the tape. Remove the tape after all are replaced, and the TES has been installed correctly, back in place--remember, there must be some ( a very minor) amount of "slop" (up-down) in the buttons, when you have the TES installed correctly. Also, note: The buttons must have the metal U clamp installed on them, and I like to put one dab of graphite grease on the stems of the TES, where they contact the buttons-- Ron Rich

rjetx · by **rjetx** » Tue Dec 02, 2014 5:39 am

Ron,
Your recommendation for the tape is brilliant. Worked like a charm! Only problem is that one of the brass springs at the top of the selector key either disappeared when the key was originally damaged, or fell off when I removed the broken key. Either way- I couldn't find it. I made a "replacement" by doubling up some heavy duty plastic (plastic packaging for a pair of pliers) and cutting it into the shape of the brass spring. It seems to work fairly well actually.

Thanks,
RJ

by **Ron Rich** » Tue Dec 02, 2014 6:15 pm

Hi RJ,
Glad you "got-it" ! That "brass spring" is available from most of the "used parts dealers" listed above--without it, the plastic key "dis-integrates"--fast ( at least in commercial service). Meant to tell you, that the "U-clip" must be attached to the plastic key, and centered, or it will very quickly also dis-integrate the plastic--also--probably too late now--but the "stem" that the "U-clip" pushes against, should have a dab of graphite grease applied to it-----Ron Rich