Boxes

Q: Are there reproduction cases available?

A: Yes, but the ones I have seen are pretty poor quality and a long way off being a faithful reproduction. I'm told that there are other, better, models recently available. Be sure to check out what you're getting.

I've not seen it, but I believe there is a soft-sided cooler bag available from WalMart which is a perfect fit for an FW.

 

Q: My case is in very sad condition. Are hinge/lock parts and the covering available?

A: Check the Part supply section of this FAQ. I believe that the only hinge/lock parts available are for the American-made cases. I know of no source for the British aluminium locks or the hinges fitted to these cases.

 

Q: Are keys available?

A: Despite some sales blurb on Ebay, keys for the British made machines are readily available from me. For American case keys try the folk in the Parts supply section.

 

Q: How can I tell if my case is an American or a British one?

A: The keys are a good indication. British-made cases had a double-sided key and the keyhole will have a small pin in the center and a slot either side. Locks on the British cases were aluminium, American were steel. Hinges on the American machines were quite fancy whereas the British-made version had a simple curve top and bottom

 

Q: How can I get rid of the smell from the case of my FW?

A: I've no experience of this but this suggestion comes from good friend Linda Heminway

You might try a mild solution of Murphy's oil soap and water, just wiping it down on the inside of it, that helps a bit. Using just a damp sponge, then rinse it off. Leave it open to dry in the sun or in a very non-humid place. Then, once it's all been cleaned, put a bar of Safeguard soap, in it's little box, opened inside your case. Use only Safeguard! Leave the box of soap inside your case for about three weeks, sealing the entire case inside of a plastic trash bag. Do not open the case while this process is going on, just leave it. I have used this method on my own case (which was pretty darned stinky) and it worked quite well. The odor is gone. I do leave a bar of Safeguard inside it all the time, though, as a permanent deodorizer. There is something about that particular brand of soap that seems to work so very well. We have no idea why! By the way, I had used that charcoal filter stuff that goes in fish tanks, baking soda, and several other methods before trying this one. This was the only one that worked for me.

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