Searching for original spare parts for IBM 360 consoles

[achimhb]

Hi,

I own IBM 360 consoles with missing parts. Maybe someone knows a source for original spare parts? Of course, anything original would be better than 3D replica. I marked the problems in the attached pictures.
360/50: A rotary knob and the pin are missing
360/75: Some missing lamps and lampholders, one switch is broken off at the thread and the stick is missing, one rectangle button is missing.

Thanks!

 

[pbirkel]

Good luck! I have some era-appropriate lamp holders that look similar but have flat tops; yours seem to be domed. I can't tell whether they even size-match otherwise. A close-up photo and dimensional measurements would help folks see whether that have anything that is even close.

And ... great photos. Could you share versions that aren't marked up?

 

[1944GPW]

What Paul said - Good Luck in finding the bits you require.
In the interim you might consider 3D printing some button inserts until you find the originals, see my model for these at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2703172
I have the green START insert there, as that looks to be the missing one on your Mod 75 panel.
I myself am looking for an original red INTERRUPT button.
As for panel lights, they have been on eBay in the past but one seller was selling crushed ones for gold recovery off the pins. Note that one of the 360 model panels uses different length lamp inserts.
The switch lever knobs are extremely 1960s-cool with their chrome ends, it would be possible to make 'six-foot rule' (ie. it looks perfect from 6 feet away) replicas and same for the knobs.

 

[achimhb]

Thanks to everyone so far. I will measure next week and I already noticed different used sockets and lamps in my panels. Even in the same panel at least two different lamps are used.
Perhaps on purpose, but perhaps also by service technicians who have replaced something or carried out an upgrade. In any case, some of the sub-panels of the /75 had a full-size label glued to it, so in this case definitely an update.
I will have better photos without marks in the near future. My goal is to have at least some items from my collection online in about 2 months.

Any 3D prints and replica are really the last solution. I still hope to find someone with spare parts. IBM must have produced countless spare parts and maybe some are in basements of former IBM employees.

 

[achimhb]

What Paul said - Good Luck in finding the bits you require.
In the interim you might consider 3D printing some button inserts until you find the originals, see my model for these at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2703172
I have the green START insert there, as that looks to be the missing one on your Mod 75 panel.
I myself am looking for an original red INTERRUPT button.
As for panel lights, they have been on eBay in the past but one seller was selling crushed ones for gold recovery off the pins. Note that one of the 360 model panels uses different length lamp inserts.
The switch lever knobs are extremely 1960s-cool with their chrome ends, it would be possible to make 'six-foot rule' (ie. it looks perfect from 6 feet away) replicas and same for the knobs.

Oh, you have the START button. Very nice. Sorry, I have no spare parts to offer. Of course I would be very happy to buy the green button.
Do you have any part number for the lamps? I'm not sure what to search for on eBay? Was it only offered as "panel lights"?

 

[1944GPW]

I have no spares either. If you don't have access to a 3D printer in Germany/Europe I might be able to run off a replica START button as I have a few different shades of green filament. The original is IIRC a dull opaque darkish green colour. Having a repop insert does not preclude you from continuing to look for originals.

 

[achimhb]

I have no spares either. If you don't have access to a 3D printer in Germany/Europe I might be able to run off a replica START button as I have a few different shades of green filament. The original is IIRC a dull opaque darkish green colour. Having a repop insert does not preclude you from continuing to look for originals.

I guess I can find some. But I leave it as it as for now.

 

[snhstq]

Which type do you need ?
These are all original IBM.
I might also have some lights. Please post detail photo of a single one you want.

Regards Henk
www.ibmsystem3.nl

 

[achimhb]

Which type do you need ?
These are all original IBM.
I might also have some lights. Please post detail photo of a single one you want.

Regards Henk
www.ibmsystem3.nl

Great. Thank you! I will check this week and try to get detailed pictures!

 

[achimhb]

Here are detailed pictures of what is missing: one white stick, many lights and the green START cap (picture of a red cap from the /75 console).

I sent Henk these pictures as well.