So I'd like to add this just is for the 670s and not the shell chairs. I have an earlier Herman Miller eames lounger...love the chair, after inspection of the shockmounts they seem intact and not corroded. I am a worrying person and let the internet play games in my head, even though the chair sits upright and strong.
So I'll cut to the chase. I called a company that professionally restores the 670 in Framingham mass, I won't name it for advertisment sake. I told him my worries and he said that I should leave them alone. Not bother replacement of the shockmounts because the early models (pre-1970s) held up better due too layers of plywood and some sort of metal behind the shockmounts. Does anyone know about this? I really like how this chair sits higher up. Hate those laid back looking ones I always see. They make me cringe.
the chair makes no Creaky sounds or anything, and I'm about 140lbs so the headrest doesn't move much. Can anyone tell me if it's more common (breaking off) on the 70s and later models? Thanks a lot!
My experience has been that regardless of the era from which a 670 was made, you replace the shock mounts when you see problems. I've seen broken ones from the 50's all the way up to 2012 and everything in between. So your concern should be about how YOUR chair is holding up. Especially if you're comfortable with the more upright position on your particular chair and you haven't seen any sagging or heard any creaking sounds, then there's really no point in removing intact shock mounts and slabbing on new ones. It seems like you adore your chair (so do I), so your best approach is to regularly inspect your chair and keep it away from people who can potentially abuse it by flopping into it.
I don't know about the claim about the mounts being different for chairs before the 70's. It is true that somewhere in the 2000's, HM started using different shock mounts which many have doubts about.
In fact, although it's supposed to be a 15 degree angle, every 670 has a somwhat different degree of recline. As far as the round black medallion, my guess is mid to late 60's. It's just a guess based on my limited experience.
Haha I'll be honest, it's not an original...but it's older. Appears to be a late 80s remake. Could be steelcase. The real ones support legs are on its face and rear not in the middle. I did have it looked at by a dealer and he was actually impressed at age and correct sizing. but never in my life could I afford a 10k sofa. And if I could ...I'd go Nelson.
Funny. I just bought a used Rosewood 670 on Craigslist. Got a really good deal, but I was horrified about the shock mounts!
http://www.designaddict.com/forum/Identification/Eames-670-and-671-Real-...
Long story short. Took it to a trusted guy here in Chicago. He's sanding it down, applying a new coat of lacquer and putting in new shockmounts (he said the glue was fine, but they were drying out and it would have to be done eventually).
I just had it done for piece of mind (also he's only charging me around $400 to do it all).
But, in talking with him and another guy I was told, DON'T WORRY AND ENJOY IT!
Most times, when there is a shock mount failure (I was told) they just come loose and it slumps a little bit. Most times, I've gathered, it doesn't crack off like those horror stories we all read about and dread online.
Full discoluse though, I don't repair these chairs. This is the conclusion I've come to talking with a lot of vitage shops and restorers here in the area (and of course scouring these forums!).
Hal10000, i actually found your thread first. I think what you did was a good idea. also your chair is really nice...love that wood grain. I think your chair is a 60s model also, not 70s. And I plan to enjoy it. I had the leather restored and done by a 670 professional, he had about 20 chairs in his one space.
Mgee76, im happy to say im light weight and the chair suits me well for that reason, but my main issue is other people coming over. Everyone! wants to sit in this thing...i tell them it is old, yet they still flop into it. Kills me in the inside to see it, but i also dont want to be that guy that inspects his furniture after someone gets off it.
Kin117, its funny you did this because I also contacted herman miller for the number of lbs it could withstand. Im glad we both got the same answer! Sorry my heavy friends. Its really just a little chair.
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