Just bought my first double hose

[Fossil_Diver]

I took the plunge and bought a DA Aquamaster on ebay for $150 today. The chrome is in decent shape and the label looks nice. It has part of an original paper label on it so I don't think it has been rechromed. The rubber hoses are rotted and I assume everything else made of rubber probably needs to be replaced. That's ok because I like to fix things and the price seemed ok. Not sure what year it is yet or if it is the long or short yoke. Don't really know much about it at all to be honest but I soon will. Learning about old things and making them work again is what I like to do. For the next couple months most of by beer money is probably going to be going to VDH for parts. That' ok because my wife says I need to cut down on my beer intake anyways.
This is some DH porn from the listing. I'll post more when I get it and have a chance to open it up.

 

[Luis H]

The 3323 West Delhi Rd. address makes it probably around 1960-61.

The chrome and label does look in decent shape.

It does look like the short yoke and that would tend match the 60 to 61 time period.

Welcome to DH diving. Have fun.

 

[rhwestfall]

now you've done it.....

 

[Fossil_Diver]

Did some research and due to the serial number I believe it is a 62-63 that is missing the made in France label. A couple have been identified with made in France stamped on the horn under the hose. I will find out Saturday for sure when it arrives. I wish more of the paper label was intact :-(

 

[Fossil_Diver]

Woohoo it's here! The chrome is even better than it looks in the pics. There was some tape residue on it and when I took that off it almost looks like new. Beautiful chrome and the label is perfect! I don't want to take it apart until I figure out how to deal with the clamps that hold it together. I don't see how to remove them without scratching the cans or mangling the clamps. But I did hook it up to a tank with about 1000psi in it and it works! No leaking and the inhale is relatively easy and exhale is effortless. The wagon wheels are still ok. The only issue is a couple small holes on the inhalation tube next to the clamp at the horn. I may switch the hoses around and put the bad hose on the exhale side with a bit of electrical tape on it and take it for a quick pool dive.
I'm sure the diaphragm and other rubber parts are on their way out but surprisingly it still works for now.
There was a paper label on it at one time and a small piece still remains. I think there is part of an address showing, possibly French (...231 Nicollet...?). I can still see the outline of where the label was. It was the same width as the metal label and about 1" tall. No made in France stamped under the horn and no evidence of a made in France sticker like the ones I have seen on the VDH pdf. about USD reg history.
All said and done I think I did ok paying $150 for it. My wife isn't happy about me spending the money on "old junk" but she'll get over it.

 

[Fossil_Diver]

Update: I can see where there was a crown sticker on it at one time. Looks like I need to buy a new set of hoses and try to find a reproduction sticker somewhere.

 

[Luis H]

VDH sells the stickers.

If you do a search at the VDH message board you will also find how to remove the clips without harming the cans. The short answer is that you grab them from the side with either a Vise-Grip tool or a front end cutter type of tool and you pull them off. You have to pull them towards the front can. It is not hard if you only have to do it once.

If you are planning on diving the regulator, you want to replace the clips with a band clamp. The band clamp will allow you to quickly and easily open the cans to clean them, make sure they are dry, and do any service as needed. The band clamp will also not harm the cans.

 

[Fossil_Diver]

Thanks. Ijust found the stickers. Now to find a band clamp...

 

[rhwestfall]

Again, VDH is the source. If you are looking for something, and you don't find it, it is worth it to contact Bryan (VDH owner, chief cook, and bottle washer) via e-mail for options.

 

[herman]

Welcome to the club. Don't hesitate to ask if you have questions, either here or on VDH. Some of the best DH divers around are here and happy to help you along.
I use a pair of end cutters (sold at Lowes home improvement stores), ground to remove the bevel on the cutting surface to remove the clips. For just one, large diagonal cutters will work but I do a number of them so I have a dedicated tool just for the job and by all means get a band clamp, those clips are a PITA on a reg you dive a lot.
Restoring it, plan on replacing ALL the rubber parts, even in good shape, they are no where close to as good as the silicone reproductions. There are a number of upgrades available for that reg that improve it into a good performing regulator.