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Post by sitkadiver on Feb 5, 2013 18:58:00 GMT -8
HOLY COW JAY!!!
I have never seen one of those labels. Mind you, I am still fairly new to vintage diving, but I would be willing to bet my spurs that it's a rare bird. I hope one of the more knowledge divers on here let's us know.
The VCR-5 was not cataloged, but I've read 2 different sources that say it was produced in limited numbers in 1961. I can't wait to see what's inside.... I wonder if it's got the Gagnan downstream valve??
I also noticed, but cannot see the detail, that it looks like the hose clamps have Voit stamped on them. If so, they're also hard to come by. Wouldn't drive the price up too much, but they are still difficult to find.
What a wonderful find, please share more photos and secrets of that beautiful reg when get it apart.
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Post by nikeajax on Feb 6, 2013 10:24:38 GMT -8
Dave, here ya go buddy, the dramatic lighting really brings out the details too (click on the images to get a closer view): I really don't know much about this reg as of yet, you know more than I do; and thanks for that little tidbit about it being a VCR-5--REALLY! A while back someone, can't remember who, but they offered to do me "a favor" by selling me one of their Voit regs for $400 : I almost spit out a lung--that's a whole lot of money to me! It took me a while to get one-a these, an' I'm glad I waited! Jaybird
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Post by surflung on Feb 6, 2013 10:41:02 GMT -8
That looks like the "Downstream" mechanism... I've been wanting one a long while. I heard they often don't have the nozzle pointing out the hose and because of that, they got a less than enthusiastic reputation on ease of breathing. I've since talked to a few VCR2 owners who said after pointing the nozzle directly down the hose and replacing the diaphragm, they found the Downstream to breath just fine... Some said it is now their favorite. "Compensating" is the word used on the label of the downstream... Its the C in VCR2 and VCR5 I think. - That's a really nice find. I wish it was mine!
P.S. - On second look, I see that your VCR5 hasn't got the nozzle pointing out the hose either.
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Post by SeaRat on Feb 6, 2013 13:43:55 GMT -8
It definitely is the downstream version, and yes you do want the large hole pointed down the intake hose, not the small one. It makes a huge difference in its breathing characteristics. I have the mechanism, but had to put it into a Mistral case as I don't have the plastic body. I'm very tempted to go to The Scuba Museum and buy the plastic case for it.
John
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Post by nikeajax on Feb 6, 2013 14:32:43 GMT -8
Again, thanks for the heads-up guys... I haven't really done anything to it yet, except for the exploratory dis-assembly: once I get those upgraded parts I will be flipping that valve body around as suggested. Been telling my wife about it, and how special it is. She asked me if I was going to sell it... I can't wait to see her expression when she finds out it's going to be hers! I especially can't wait to see people's expressions when they see her diving with it! Jaybird
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Post by sitkadiver on Feb 6, 2013 17:03:54 GMT -8
Very nice Jay,
Thanks for posting the pics.
You can also let your wife know that the more rare, downstream valve is pointed the wrong way, the mouthpiece has 'IN' mispelled as 'NI' and she is also getting the very cool Voit hose clamps. That is going to make a lovely Valentines Day gift.
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Post by duckbill on Feb 6, 2013 23:24:58 GMT -8
That's a really nice find there, Jaybird. What a great deal! But.......your wife is already asking if you're going to sell it, and you're going to GIVE it to her??? Do you mind if I give her a call later on?
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Post by nikeajax on Feb 7, 2013 12:08:14 GMT -8
Sure, what about? Her cel number is, 555... Hey, wait a minute... Jaybird
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Post by duckbill on Feb 7, 2013 16:42:25 GMT -8
"555"?!!! You're married to a movie star?! EVERYBODY in the movies has a 555 prefix
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Post by nikeajax on Feb 17, 2013 9:10:23 GMT -8
Was at a garage sale yesterday and found an OLD-TIMER: it's an oxy-tank from 1942, I think, and last hydro'ed in 64! I'll get some pix up probably Tuesday... I think it's an 80cf? Its valve is trashed, the knob is broken, and have to use a wrench to open it, so I'll use it for parts for the valve on the Rene. It came with a broken backpack , bummer, as the pack is a Nemrod too The guy who owns the LDS was telling me that in the VERY early days, they'd use welding-tanks, or CO2 bottles, as John has, from life-rafts because no one really made scuba-tanks at the time. It has a stainless bushing in it so the 1/2" valve will fit into it: are there bushings for 3/4" available for it? Jaybird
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sidm
Pro Diver
Posts: 219
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Post by sidm on Feb 17, 2013 9:51:32 GMT -8
Jaybird, The CO2 bottles were great because they had little bumps on the bottom so they would stand up - no rubber boot required.
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sidm
Pro Diver
Posts: 219
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Post by sidm on Feb 17, 2013 9:53:49 GMT -8
Oh, this bottle was from a soda pop vending machine.
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Post by treculi on Feb 17, 2013 16:23:09 GMT -8
Years ago I was given a surplus gas mask that had two steel air tanks. I intended to use them as pony bottles but never followed through with a decent harness system at least one I was comfortable diving with. At that time I was around construction sites a lot and I ended up using them mainly to fill flat tires. Attachments:
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Post by nikeajax on Feb 17, 2013 19:15:38 GMT -8
Hmmmm? Cracked the valve on it and it and the air coming out stinks! Perhaps I can trade it in to a welding supply shop for something else-I hope?
Jaybird
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Post by nikeajax on Feb 19, 2013 14:45:53 GMT -8
Well, here's the decal on the back-pack anyway: I'm totally diggin' on that mighty strap holdin' it to the tank It struck me this morning what the tank smells like: axle-grease! Also, the paint underneath is brick-red, if I'm not mistaken, acetylene tanks are that color... Well, it was only fivebux! Jaybird
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