<html><head><style type="text/css"></style></head><body><div style="font-family:garamond, new york, times, serif;font-size:12pt"><DIV>Here's an interesting problem:  a 1958-59 Chickering console presented with a non-functioning sustain pedal.  Upon opening the piano, I noticed the right-hand side of the action would rise when the pedal was pressed.  Removing the action revealed that the sticker/action rail was split, probably for about 10 inches, and probably (according to the church's choir director) from too-aggressive pedalling.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Without removing dampers/wippens for better access, I think I can inject (very carefully, to avoid squeeze-out!) into the length of the split, use a c-clamp around the top of the rail and the wippen flanges (again, very carefully, to close the split without putting too much pressure on, and perhaps using a paint stick or some such between the clamp and the wippen flanges to distribute the pressure), then use a 4x3/4 screw in the available right end, to mechanically close the split, along with the glue.  I wish there were room to put in another screw. . .</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Without removing parts, which I don't really want to do, and which would turn it into a bigger job than the church will be willing to contemplate (or am I being foolish?), this is all I can come up with.  The choir director is really interested in buying a grand for the sanctuary, so is not really interested in spending much.  Otherwise this piano is in really good condition, and seems like a pretty decent specimen.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>So, what do you think?  Will this be an effective repair?  Should I just bite the bullet and take some parts off for better access?  What would be the prognosis for any kind of repair for this problem?  </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I'm thinking of charging for a 3-4 hour job, including today's visit.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Thanks for your advice.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Richard Morgan</DIV></div><br> <hr size=1>Boardwalk for $500? In 2007? Ha! <br><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=48223/*http://get.games.yahoo.com/proddesc?gamekey=monopolyherenow">Play Monopoly Here and Now</a> (it's updated for today's economy) at Yahoo! Games.</body></html>