I actually have purchased 2 different replacement shock mounts for my Eames 670 Lounge chairs.One from Special K Products,and the other from Hume Modern(both available on Ebay).I have not installed either,so I am not able to evaluate their performance at this point in time.I have had the opportunity to examine each one in detail,and here are my notes. The first to arrive was the Special K Products unit.This one costs about $30.00 apiece,and I purchased their superior 2 stage mounting epoxy,touted to out perform anything on the market.The shock mount arrived promptly and nicely packaged.It consists of a heavy,hard rubber lozenge shape,encasing a nifty finely machined metal facing,(which is the part that adheres to the inside of the seat pan).They claim it will out last anything.There are 2 metal countersunk screws,which actually appear to go through the shock mount and into the wood itself.Very solid,and durable in appearance. Next to arrive was the pair of mounts from Hume Modern.Nicely packaged and priced right.(A pair costs about as much as the single Special K unit.-no glue provided,however.)This mount was described as solid Neoprene,and looks like black vulcanized rubber,and feels pretty solid and heavy,much like a Hockey puck.I noticed this was about the same lozenge shape as the other,however,I noticed it to be about a millimeter thicker than the Special K ,and,while it had 2 countersunk screws,it appears they would not actually enter the wood,as they do not go through the (thicker)mount!It also appears the inner face,which adheres to the pan is sanded rough to facilitate adhesion. Anyhow,in summary,they both appear to be durable,well made,and able to do the trick.I will report on the ease of installation and how they actually perform in upcoming weeks.
Interesting report Tulipman. ...
Interesting report Tulipman. Any relationships we should be aware of???
I have an LCW that needs the shocks replaced pretty soon. Been wavering on this (as I am with other projects). Adhesion is of utmost importance. I read once that the Eames used radio/sonic frequencies to cure mounts to wood, any veracity to that story? Superior to simply epoxy gluing today? Seems like it would be since my chair (Evans production) is very well used, and now 50+ years later, need replacement.
No-as I was in need of only one mount...
and the Special K Products seemed like they were well received on Ebay,with 100% feedback.Furthermore,they claim that their products out perform all the others.I figure,have some spares on hand.
BTW,Woof,woof-their LCW shock mount seems to be of very high quality.
Hume Accurate
While I haven't had any experience with the Special K mount I have had a chair redone through Hume. When I got the shell back I honestly could not remember which side had popped off, and the reglue was so seamless that I couldn't tell from looking at the mounts. Whether Special K's mount is made to be 'stronger' seems a bit like Peter Tristan's wooden mount - irrelevant to the original design of the piece. I'm not saying they are bad per-se - just saying that it doesn't keep the chair original. I mean, you know what else is stronger than a Herman Miller shock-mount? A pair of bolts through the veneer.
Any advice...
on removing the old shockmounts? I will be starting a repair/restoration project on an Eames lounge and am considering replacing the shockmounts while I'm at it. One of the shockmounts failed and the back shell snapped. Is there anything that will make them easier to remove? Heat? Solvents? Only plain old elbow grease? Thanks!
Shock Mount Re-Glue
Not sure why you'd need new shock mounts. Did the shock mount actually break? In my experience, unlike with the DCM/LCM/etc. shock mounts, the mounts on 670 chairs don't fail. It's the glue joint that fails, leaving the shock mounts perfectly intact.
They usually require a bit of sanding, clamping, and re-gluing. I've re-glued several 670s, and am currently sitting in my 670 that I re-glued about a decade ago, using the original shock mount. Never had another problem with the chair.
The glue is the tricky part. Not just any epoxy will work. You are gluing rubber to rosewood, after all. You'd be hard pressed to come up with a tougher test for an adhesive.
I did some research in the mid-90s, and found that HM was using a 3M industrial adhesive: Scotchweld 1838. Not sure if it's what they still use today. I've used it many times, and had great results (with proper surface prep). It's very expensive, insanely strong, and takes about 8 hours to set up. You also need to wait several days for it to fully cure.
Hope this is helpful.
eames lounge chair
I have a Herman Miller Eams chair that I can't part with. It was given to me as a gift. Recently the (seamingly) leather hinges that connect the back to the seat have dry rottod. I have tried to glue the one that is no longer any good to no avail. I would like to have the chair repaired. In contacting Herman Miller, they quoted me $1900 per arm replacement. I think the entire chair is only worth $2800 retail, and the arms are in great condition otherwise. does someone have any inormation on a reputable repair person? I miss siting in the chair every evening as I looked forward to it. I'll send it anywhere although I live in Philadelphia. Thanx, Marice Tannenbaum
mark456
Thanks...
very helpful, you've already answered my next question about what glue to use. And you're right, my description is inaccurate. It is in fact the glue that has failed. The only reason I would replace them is that only one is left on the seat shell. I would have to remove two of them from the lower back shell which would equal double the work. Plus they are already 15 years old and I thought I might as well replace them.
Also, does anyone know if the lower back shell is supposed to be routered to accept the shockmounts. The chair I have has been repaired before by a HM dealer and is routered but I noticed on Hume they mention specifically that they don't router the panel. Which is correct or best???
If you need any help, please contact us at – info@designaddict.com