Finally got the call to work on a 1920s Otis in a downtown Chicago hotel. Took three days, but the old girl runs smooth now.

4 comments

4 Comments

What's the hardest part about getting a 1920s elevator back online? I'd imagine sourcing parts for something that old is a total nightmare, but it's so worth it when they purr like that after a fix.

wade_hall3mo ago

Convincing the safety inspector, @jamies45.

the_anna1mo ago

Hand filing bronze guides for three days? That's dedication I can't even imagine, my back hurts just reading that. Was that your only option or did you just decide to commit to the handwork?

elliotl241mo ago

The counterweight rail adjustment on a Fulton Street job last year taught me that patience is everything. @wade_hall probably knows that better than anyone, but I found that hand filing the bronze guides to match the wear pattern saved three days of ordering custom parts.