I have a Gaggia Classic. I think it's probably about 15 years old; I can't remember exactly when I bought it. It has a couple of faults at the moment; the group gasket has gone and the whole case leaks when I use the steam wand.
I thought about buying a new coffee machine, and was leaning towards the Rancilio Silvia. But it sounds like the benefit I would get over the Gaggia Classic is minimal, and considering the expense (and simplicity of the Gaggia), keeping the Gaggia going is a much better option.
So, firstly, I need a new group gasket (either 8.5mm or 9mm; I can't seem to find a consensus). Then I may need some parts to fix the leak; I'm hoping nothing's rusted through and it is either a loosened nut or a perished gasket/o-ring of some kind.
Assuming the leak is repairable, I'm thinking of going all out on the Gaggia and pimping it up:
I'm going to get the (old) Silvia steam wand replacement.
Although I tinkered with the OPV many years ago, I'm sure it isn't what it should be now. But rather than (or after) putting together a portafilter gauge, I'd like to mount one in (or on the outside of) the case itself. Is there any consensus on how the reading might differ when read between the pump and boiler and from the group head? What about differences between the static and dynamic pressures?
I'm also going to fit the PID upgrade. I'm not interested in trying to bodge a sensor to fit myself, so I'd rather go with a kit, or at least a custom-made sensor. Since I'm going for it, I think I'll probably splash out on the combined brew + steam setup, and potentially the mod that includes the brew timing too (with pre-infusion and the works).
Finally, since I'm planning on fitting an analogue pressure gauge, is it possible to fit an analogue temperature gauge too? I'm thinking not, since IIRC, the boiler is mounted on top of the group and there would be nowhere to put a temperature probe.
So... I think I know what I'm doing, but can anybody recommend suppliers of all (or indeed some) of these things in the UK (or Europe)? (Especially for the PID, which is likely to be expensive and attract the interest of our HMRC friends.)
Thanks for all your help in advance.
I thought about buying a new coffee machine, and was leaning towards the Rancilio Silvia. But it sounds like the benefit I would get over the Gaggia Classic is minimal, and considering the expense (and simplicity of the Gaggia), keeping the Gaggia going is a much better option.
So, firstly, I need a new group gasket (either 8.5mm or 9mm; I can't seem to find a consensus). Then I may need some parts to fix the leak; I'm hoping nothing's rusted through and it is either a loosened nut or a perished gasket/o-ring of some kind.
Assuming the leak is repairable, I'm thinking of going all out on the Gaggia and pimping it up:
I'm going to get the (old) Silvia steam wand replacement.
Although I tinkered with the OPV many years ago, I'm sure it isn't what it should be now. But rather than (or after) putting together a portafilter gauge, I'd like to mount one in (or on the outside of) the case itself. Is there any consensus on how the reading might differ when read between the pump and boiler and from the group head? What about differences between the static and dynamic pressures?
I'm also going to fit the PID upgrade. I'm not interested in trying to bodge a sensor to fit myself, so I'd rather go with a kit, or at least a custom-made sensor. Since I'm going for it, I think I'll probably splash out on the combined brew + steam setup, and potentially the mod that includes the brew timing too (with pre-infusion and the works).
Finally, since I'm planning on fitting an analogue pressure gauge, is it possible to fit an analogue temperature gauge too? I'm thinking not, since IIRC, the boiler is mounted on top of the group and there would be nowhere to put a temperature probe.
So... I think I know what I'm doing, but can anybody recommend suppliers of all (or indeed some) of these things in the UK (or Europe)? (Especially for the PID, which is likely to be expensive and attract the interest of our HMRC friends.)
Thanks for all your help in advance.