Retractable Caster Wheels for C-3?

[Doctor Robert]

Hello,

I am buying my second Hammond C-3 tomorrow (yay!!), and would like to have an easy way to move it from one area of a room to another. I was originally thinking of building a rolling platform but came across the idea of using retractable caster wheels instead (easier and much cheaper!). When in the up position, the organ would be level with the ground for the benefit of the pedals, and when I need to move the organ, I can remove the pedals, engage the wheels and presumably be on my way. The weight capacity of the set pictured is 420lbs.

My question is, has anyone else tried this, and does it work? Or if you have a better idea, please share. Thanks!

[David Anderson]

Do you plan to drill into and, thus, ruin the finish of the C-3 to do this?

I wouldn't.

[Doctor Robert]

The cabinet is in very good condition, but not mint (my other C-3 is). If this one were, I wouldn’t dream of drilling. But I’m open to other suggestions.

[Hoaxel]

couldnt it be mounted in the inner?

[Doctor Robert]

couldnt it be mounted in the inner?

That's a good thought... Hmm... I will have to take some measurements.

[Hoaxel]

Or, a sheet of metal the wheels bolted on it formed as a U sticked under the sides. I like that idea

[Doctor Robert]

You mentioned legs and a B3 but it’s a C3 that I need to worry about.

[Tonewheel]

Correct, Robert. I got carried away about how I might do this for the B3, o I deleted it.

Hoaxel has a great idea. U-shaped heavy gauge steel "trough" allowing both ends of the C3 to rest on them. Just wide and deep enough for the wooden sides of the C3 to fit fairly snugly.

You might want to line the inside vertical surfaces with felt because there will be a rotational twist of the frame, bringing pressure of the upper edge of the metal frame against the wood. Install after applying Loctite and tightening the bolts (below).

Holes drilled for the bolts. But the head of the bolt would be on the inside and as flush as possible. Nuts with locking washers on the outside.

All painted to match colour of the C3. Or keep them black for nice contrast.

I have this type of wheel that can be dropped as the heavy frame is lifted for my shop equipment like my monster 8 inch jointer.

This is a photo of what the short bolt might look like. Just take the dimensions down to a metal fabricator. Each wheel unit would be taking about 100 pounds. Not a lot of weight bearing on a robust frame, wheels and bolts.

Who knows? You might get it patented, sell this for at least hammond C's, and make as much money as a musician..........

[Doctor Robert]

Those are good suggestions. The more I think about it, the less I want to do any drilling into the cabinet. I'm not really the sacreligious type.

[Hoaxel]

Or something similar, but the lifters turned 90 degrees to front and back, not so much pressure on the sides and a better stand.
Paying a patent would cost a lot more as you can earn as musician, even if you sell more than a dozen

[gtc]

Those are good suggestions. The more I think about it, the less I want to do any drilling into the cabinet. I'm not really the sacreligious type.

So, how did you go with this?

[NittyRanks]

Any drilling would devalue the unit if you were going to resell it. I find that with buyers they tend to get funny about things.

[Papus]

Don't molest the cabinet.
The herd of original Hammonds grows thinner every year..... one day there will barely be enough remaining to keep most of them running, with a few sacrificial units for spares.
I would even apply this logic to spinets, despite some people thinking they grow on trees in abundance..... if people keep chopping them and dumping them and gutting them to make ridiculous guitar effects and amplifiers, then one day the numbers will fall below critical mass required to keep them running.
Go ahead and flame me, I don't care - Hammonds are NOT an inexhaustible supply of bounty for the world to keep plundering.

[geoffbrown]

Yes your correct, I think every part of a hammond could be repaired or replicated, no need to trash them for parts

[gtc]

I have no intention of molesting any cabinet. My question is to Doctor Robert.

[NittyRanks]

Your exactly right and Leslie's are in short supply. I have seen some terrible mods on Leslies. Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should.