EAMES type Plycraft Replacement Mechanisms

Eames Knockoff chairs:

Plycraft, a manufacturer no longer in business was a copycat reproducer of the famous Herman Miller Eames Lounge chair. Over the years, Plycraft used many different style mechanisms. We have found several styles to replace broken mechanisms. But none as easily installed and so low in cost as our style #502 and #402, which will replace any of the various mechanisms which Plycraft and others used. Adapting will always be required.

				Style #402 replaced the original installed wedge mechanism. Retrofitting materials required: 1-#402 or #502 mechanism 1-#7109 polished base (Black underside) 2-1/4" x 2 1/2" hex bolts (plus use 2-original hex bolt for wedge type) 1-9" x 12" x 3/4" thick plywood mounting board 4-#1805 1/4" flat washers (if was wedge type) 4-#6090S mechanism mountings screws 4-#14 tee nuts and 4-901B flange hex bolts
The original mechanism is seen on the seat cushion. This chair mechanism has a 1" dia. spindle making the original base usable when the mechanism was replaced. View larger mechanism		This original mechanism instead used a wooden wedge to set the tilt angle. It has a 5/8" dia. spindle and there is not an available replacement. The mechanism and base must both be replaced if either the base or mechanism is replaced as shown in photo at right.

General Mechanism Installation--The outside leather covering is easily removed by removing several screws from the wood underside. This will expose the molded wood inside bottom. Install the new mechanism using 4-style #14 Tee Nuts, and use 4-#901B Bolts. Install the new mechanism and replace the covering using either method.

• Installation is made easier when installing the replacement mechanism if the *Pivot point is placed in the same location as the original. This is important, as the pivot determines the proper balance. If the replacement pivot pin is too forward, the chair may lean back too easily. If the replacement pivot pin is too far rearward, the chair may be difficult to lean back. By no means does locating the pivot pin in the exact same location guarantee identical tilter balance. Certain factors including a different adjustment tension spring strength may also come into play.

A method to eliminate unnecessary drilling of holes and installing Tee nuts in a trial mode is as follows.

• Temporarily, attach a sturdy piece of 3/4" plywood to the outside bottom using the original screw hole Tee nut placement. Then, screw the replacement mechanism in place with #6090S mounting screws. Doing so for testing will give you a starting point from which to work in moving the mechanism forward or rearward if necessary. When satisfied with the balance, mark the mechanism location and remove the temporary placed plywood mounting board to make a permanent installation using Tee Nuts and bolts in their proper location. Alternatively, you can leave the plywood in place and paint the edges black.

*Pivot point is the solid steel through pin on the #402 and #502.

General Base Replacement--While any base shown on Manual chair Bases will fit our #402 or #502 mechanism or any other existing mechanism having a 1" diameter spindle post, most people overwhelmingly prefer style #7109.
View Lounge Chair or Ottoman Base
All available EamesPlycraft items