Classic Rotary Phones Forum

Telephone Talk => Candlestick Phones => Topic started by: wds on October 20, 2017, 06:53:35 PM

Title: Chicago Semi Potbelly
Post by: wds on October 20, 2017, 06:53:35 PM
Picked up a Chicago Semi Potbelly this week - does anyone know how to remove the bottom plate?  I'm sure it's something simple, but I don't want to damage anything trying to figure it out.
Title: Re: Chicago Semi Potbelly
Post by: Dan/Panther on October 21, 2017, 12:56:16 PM
It appears that the 3 screws in a triangle pattern holds the base on. The 4th screw might be cord restraint.

D/P
Title: Re: Chicago Semi Potbelly
Post by: wds on October 21, 2017, 03:06:26 PM
those aren't screws, rather they are rivets.  I thought the cover might rotate right or left to come off.
Title: Re: Chicago Semi Potbelly
Post by: Sargeguy on October 23, 2017, 11:52:59 AM
Maybe there is a hidden tab that needs to be depressed before unlocking?
Title: Re: Chicago Semi Potbelly
Post by: TelePlay on October 23, 2017, 01:03:32 PM
Any chance that by taking apart the perch/hook switch will allow the bottom to drop down?
Title: Re: Chicago Semi Potbelly
Post by: LarryInMichigan on October 23, 2017, 01:06:05 PM
You will never manage to remove the cover, so there is no point in keeping the phone.  I would be willing to help though by taking that problem phone off your hands ;-).

Larry
Title: Re: Chicago Semi Potbelly
Post by: wds on October 24, 2017, 01:20:51 PM
larry - if I can't get the bottom plate off it's all yours!  the canadian candlestick comes apart that way - remove the screw by the receiver arm and the bottom and switch assembly drops down.  i will try that on this chicago tonight.
Title: Re: Chicago Semi Potbelly
Post by: TelePlay on October 24, 2017, 01:36:55 PM
Quote from: wds on October 24, 2017, 01:20:51 PM
. . . the canadian candlestick comes apart that way - remove the screw by the receiver arm and the bottom and switch assembly drops down.  i will try that on this chicago tonight.

I was just guessing based on my experience of taking apart a 1980s Decotel rotary dial stick which came apart that way, from the top down. But that is a new, self contained stick. Will be surprised if it works the same with yours, getting it apart from the top down.
Title: Re: Chicago Semi Potbelly
Post by: Stubbypylon on October 25, 2017, 08:06:40 PM
Dave,

Thats the way it comes off.  Remove that screw at the back by the hookswitch and the bottom drops out except it gets stuck.
Title: Re: Chicago Semi Potbelly
Post by: Stubbypylon on October 25, 2017, 08:08:23 PM
Pull off the perch and you can push the switch down through the shaft.
Title: Re: Chicago Semi Potbelly
Post by: wds on October 25, 2017, 08:11:12 PM
I removed the screw and the phone came apart.  The base plate also comes off by rotating the plate.  I notice yours has some extra contacts compared to mine.  I assume those are for the button on your base?
Title: Re: Chicago Semi Potbelly
Post by: Stubbypylon on October 25, 2017, 08:16:15 PM
yes those contacts are for the button
Title: Re: Chicago Semi Potbelly
Post by: wds on October 28, 2017, 08:03:07 AM
cleaned up a little.
Title: Re: Chicago Semi Potbelly
Post by: Ktownphoneco on October 28, 2017, 08:08:46 AM
Good work Dave.    The set looks beautiful ! 

Jeff Lamb
Title: Re: Chicago Semi Potbelly
Post by: Stubbypylon on October 28, 2017, 08:59:43 AM
Very nice!