Chime Assembly / Disassembly

​

Chime is built of 7 sections, 2 end panels and the roof.

Each section is bolted together in order using 1⁄2”-13 carriage bolts and locking

flange nuts. It is recommended that after disassembly, these nuts are replaced

by new ones. Their locking liner will be made weaker when undone. The

sections are numbered lightly at the base, inside each frame where the panel is

connected to the frame. If these markings have not survived the weathering

process it is advisable to label each section in the order they are in now.

When moving the sections, they should be kept upright as they stand on the

ground. Weak points at the hinge connection could break if a section is tilted.

Good handhold points for lifting and carrying are any point of the solid, upright

forms behind the faces of the lever panels.

The roof can be kept intact and removed as one piece. There are two wooden

brackets connecting the outer trusses to each end. There are three wooden

brackets attaching the two inner trusses. Make sure all screws have been

removed prior to attempting to lift the roof off. It can be accomplished with two

people but we recommend at least four sets of hands for this process.

 

Moving Parts

The lever panels are mounted on pairs of hinges at the base of each section.
These should not require any regular maintenance. If they need repair or
replacement at any time, disassembly of the section will be necessary to address
the problem. This will require removing the center rod that fastens the two
connecting arms to the pendulum. Once the rod and spacers are removed, the
lever panels on both sides will drop. Make sure they are held in place safely
before taking this action.

 

Locking

The lock bars are 1⁄2” x 3 1⁄2” lumber milled specifically for insertion the slats on
the end panels of Chime. To use them insert one on either side of the pendulum
arms just above the mallet heads. The holes on either end will correspond to the
brackets on the inside of the end panels. Use padlocks to lock the bars in place.
This will stop the lever panels from moving if pressed.

 

Maintenance Instructions

​

Chime is a manually operated musical instrument.
It has moving parts and is made mostly of wood.
It will eventually need some maintenance.
The following are the main points of any maintenance procedures that might be
necessary.
Should issues arise that are not covered here please feel free to contact us for
assistance in troubleshooting at dan@civicharmony.org

​

Wood Care
To address minor damage due to graffiti, handprints, scuffs, etc... rub with steel
wool, or other light abrasive pad.
For harder stains, markings and gouges, a light to moderate sanding will be
necessary.
Sand with the grain of the wood to avoid making swirl marks with sandpaper.
180 grit sandpaper will take care of most of this work if needed.
To refinish use Thompson’s Water Seal (clear). Wipe on as necessary.
Should any damages occur to the frame or end panels, replacements can be
made from pine 1”x4”s (3/4” x 3 1⁄2”) available at most hardware store.
Any damage or repairs that need to be made to the face panels or connecting
arms are more complicate since they are assemblies and main components of
Chime’s mechanism.
Please contact us should any major damage occur to the face panels requiring a
replacement.