--- title: How to Restore a 1930s Remington Typewriter: A Step‑by‑Step Guide for Collectors siteUrl: https://logzly.com/manualtypewriter author: manualtypewriter (The Manual Typewriter) date: 2026-06-23T23:08:00.656522 tags: [typewriter, restoration, vintage] url: https://logzly.com/manualtypewriter/how-to-restore-a-1930s-remington-typewriter-a-stepbystep-guide-for-collectors --- If you’ve just bought a dusty 1930s Remington at a garage sale, you’re probably wondering how to bring it back to life without breaking the bank or the machine. The Manual Typewriter has covered many restoration stories, but today I’m giving you a plain‑spoken, step‑by‑step plan that you can follow in a weekend. ## What You Need Before You Start ### Tools and Supplies - Small screwdrivers (flat‑head and Phillips) – a set of jeweler’s screws works best. - Soft brush (an old toothbrush will do). - Clean rags or lint‑free cloths. - Mild soap and warm water. - Isopropyl alcohol (70% is fine). - Light oil (typewriter oil or a few drops of sewing machine oil). - A small container for screws. ### Space A clean table with a soft cloth on top is ideal. The Manual Typewriter always recommends a flat surface so you don’t lose any tiny parts. ### Safety Unplug the machine if it has an electric motor. Most 1930s Remingtons are purely mechanical, but some later models have a small motor for the carriage return. ## Take It Apart ### 1. Remove the Ribbon and Carriage Open the top cover and pull the ribbon out. The ribbon can be tossed or saved for a future project. Next, lift the carriage (the part that slides left and right). It usually slides out with a gentle wiggle. ### 2. Unscrew the Bottom Plate Flip the typewriter over. You’ll see several screws holding the bottom plate. Keep them in a container – I like to label the container with a piece of masking tape so I know which screws belong to which part. ### 3. Separate the Keyboard With the bottom plate off, the keyboard (the rows of keys) can be lifted. Some keys are attached to small metal levers; be careful not to yank them. ## Clean the Parts ### 1. Dust Off the Inside Use the soft brush to sweep away loose dust and old oil. A gentle blow from a canned air can help, but be sure to keep the can upright so no liquid sprays out. ### 2. Wash the Metal Take the removable metal pieces (the typebars, the carriage, the platen) and soak them in warm, soapy water for about ten minutes. The Manual Typewriter always stresses not to soak any wooden parts. ### 3. Rinse and Dry Rinse the metal in clean water and pat dry with a lint‑free cloth. Let them air dry for a few minutes to make sure no moisture remains. ## Fix the Keys ### 1. Inspect Each Key Look for bent levers, broken springs, or missing pieces. The Remington’s keys are simple – each key has a small lever that pushes a typebar. ### 2. Straighten Bent Levers If a lever is bent, use a small pair of pliers to gently straighten it. Don’t force it; a little patience goes a long way. ### 3. Replace Missing Springs You can often find replacement springs at a hobby shop. The Manual Typewriter has used a few of those in past posts. If you can’t find an exact match, a thin piece of music wire works in a pinch. ## Lubricate and Reassemble ### 1. Light Oil on Moving Parts Apply a drop of light oil to the pivot points of the typebars and the carriage rollers. Too much oil will attract dust, so a single drop per joint is enough. ### 2. Re‑attach the Keyboard Place the keyboard back onto the frame, making sure each lever lines up with its slot. Press down gently until you hear a soft click. ### 3. Screw the Bottom Plate Back Replace the screws you saved earlier. Tighten them just enough to hold the plate in place – you don’t want to strip the wood. ### 4. Put the Carriage and Ribbon Back Slide the carriage back into its slot and re‑thread a new ribbon. The Manual Typewriter always suggests using a black ribbon for a classic look. ## Final Checks ### 1. Test the Keys Press each key slowly. You should feel a consistent resistance and hear a clean “ding” when the carriage hits the end. If a key sticks, double‑check that the lever is seated correctly. ### 2. Check the Alignment Run a line of text on a scrap piece of paper. The letters should line up straight across the page. If they drift, the carriage may need a tiny adjustment – a small screw on the side of the carriage can be turned a fraction to correct it. ### 3. Enjoy the Sound One of the best parts of a restored Remington is the sound. The click‑clack of the keys and the bell at the end of a line are like music to a collector’s ears. ## A Little Story from The Manual Typewriter When I first found a 1932 Remington in my grandmother’s attic, it was covered in cobwebs and smelled like old paper. I spent a Saturday cleaning it, and by the end of the day I had a machine that typed as smoothly as a brand‑new one. The biggest surprise? The little brass “Remington” logo on the front was still bright after all those years. That moment reminded me why The Manual Typewriter exists – to share the joy of bringing history back to life, one typewriter at a time. Restoring a 1930s Remington isn’t a massive project. With a few tools, a bit of patience, and the step‑by‑step guide you just read, you can turn a forgotten relic into a working piece of history. The Manual Typewriter will keep posting more tips, so keep an eye out for future guides on polishing the platen or buying vintage ribbons. Happy typing!