Herman Miller Eames 670 / 671 identification and repair  

A few initial thoughts after quick viewing of your photos:

You chair has suffered a hard life. Assessment as "essentially in good condition" could be termed an "alternative fact".

Appears as if the "ear" on the lower back panel has lost nearly half its original thickness. This is a critical structure that must endure significant shear forces in use. I'd recommend replacement of the entire panel. Without benefit of photos of damage to ottoman panel, I suspect it needs a replacement, too.

Yes, all shock mounts need to go.

Treating leather and polishing metal are the least of your problems.

There are documented cases of extensive repairs made to these chairs with similar damage with varying degrees of success, but at great expense of effort and time and they generally require technical experience and skills. Do you really want to go there?

Hi tktoo,

Thanks so much for your feedback - its very much appreciated.

ha ha - 'alternative fact'! .... the perils of buying through rose tinted galsses!

You're bang on regarding the ottoman - to repair it will take significat significant work. (photo). I will give it a go though.

With regards to the ear, it has indeed lost two sheets of the ply as well as the interior veneer. I've cleaned the old repair away to date (photo) , i'm thinking to router out a strip under the remaining edge (careful not to impact outer edge) and slip a layer of ply under - very minimal gain structurally. I'll then add another layer and finish with the veneer. Like you said, structurally it will never be as strong again, but i think it worth a shot.

I've spent several years working with a cabinet maker, so i'll probably still put the time and effort in. Cleaned the ottoman stand and it turned out better than expected which gives me hope..... rose tinted hope 😉

Any further thoughts really welcome.

Regards

If you're really intent on attempting repairs to molded plywood, you'll need to carefully excavate compromised material and build the repairs in layers. What you must avoid are straight, butted cross-sectional edges where the new fill material meets old. As in each layer extending beyond the edges of the previous, if that makes any sense. You might consider using composites such as fiberglass cloth and two-part resins rather than solid wood veneers for ease of forming and added strength.

Yes, it's probably better to condition leather from the flesh side. Consult a good saddler for advice there.

Any good fine metal polish like Flitz or Simichrome applied by hand will quickly brighten the aluminum castings.

Keep us posted with progress and best of luck!

Thanks so much for the timberwork advice. It makes perfect sense.

I've just bought myself a tube of Flitz and i'll let you know how well it goes!

I also contacted a saddler today and he recommended Aussies Conditioner on the flesh, so i think i'll give that a go too.

Exciting - if somewhat nervous - times!

Thanks tktoo

I can offer ZERO technical support here and it sounds like tktoo knows what's he's talking about, so it's good. I really hope you can keep us posted on your restoration endeavor.

I could totally relate to getting too trigger happy at an auction though.

As a HUGE fan of the 670/671's, I'm just happy to hear another joined the cult. Have fun with it!!!

When laying up fiberglass cloth with two-part resins it's important to either work "wet into wet" or, if adding layers to cured material, to thoroughly remove "amine blush" from cured surfaces with acetone to ensure proper adhesion of subsequent layers. West System epoxies has excellent advice on their website applicable to working with all such products.

kin knows WAY more about Eames lounge sets than I do. I've only ever owned one!

I second that kin1117, I can offer no advice except commiserate with you for the lack of impulse control when it comes to furniture, it's a real problem for me! I also applaud your dedication to bringing it back to life, I hope we can follow the journey!

Hi all,

Thanks so much for the encouragement - it doesn't feel quite so daunting now!

'Cult' ! ha, that's probably true as i'm thinking, reading and talking about nothing else at the moment!

My plan of attack will be to treat the leather first as its probably the most vulnerable part of the chair. There are quite a few speckles of white emulsion on the leather so i'll carefully scrape and clean this off. I've bought some saddler reccommended black leather dye and some Aussies conditioner both of which will arrive this week so i'll clean, dye, and condition.

After this i'll look to fix a couple of zips and a few corners of the fibreboard.

Will certainly keep you updated.

Many thanks,