Herman wrote:Welcome to the board. I think I see a couple items that others have missed.
You will want to replace the main diaphragm HOWEVER at this time no one that I am aware of has reproduction 2 stage ones available (has the 2 tabs) this pretty much requires you to replace the second stage with an HPR. The old diaphragm will work but even new they are no where near as good as a silicone one. Then there is setup, An HPR is pretty easy, the original assembly can be a real pain to get right.
To keep things as low as possible but make a reasonable diving reg I would go this way:
Replace second stage with HPR and use new silicone diaphragm
Install a DA rebuild kit, most likely you can resurface the HP seat
Install a Duckbill eliminator, it's not much more expensive than a duckbill and is easier to get right, esp when installing hoses.
IF and this is a big if, the hoses are reasonably soft, replace the mouthpiece valves (replacing them is almost mandatory) You do not have to replace the cages. You can always upgrade the hoses and mouthpiece later.
Install a band clamp if it does not have one, the C clips are a pain and it makes opening up the reg for inspection and cleaning (which you should do often) much easier.
One note about the banjo, you MUST have a long yoke to use it. There are 2 (3 actually- a heavy version was used in a few of the later ones, you are very lucky if you got one of those) versions of the yoke used on regs but since you have a late model it most likely has the long one but it's worth noting before you buy a banjo and can't use it . Personally, I would just use the J valve as it was intended. Unless it's a Voit, they had some reserve issues and should NOT be used unmodified, it's very likely the J valve is working fine. Do some easy dives to get use to relaying on time (to have some idea of your remaining air pressure) and the J valve. One way to easily test the J valve is to use it with a modern reg and a SPG - NOT an air integrated computer, their response time is too slow. In the "dive" position, the SPG needle should bounce down quite a bit as you breath and work as you are used to in the reserve position.....and you can use it old school to learn how to use it with your modern reg. While you are at it, you can start learning old school no BC diving with your modern equipment. Just kit up as normal but get your weights correct, deflate the BC completely and dive relying on proper weighting and breath control to control your buoyancy during the dive. If you must you can revert to modern style if you need to. This is a great way to get use to old school diving while having the comfort of knowing you have your modern gear as a back up.
By all means, ASK QUESTIONS!! We have a great group of very experienced guys who have lots of experience restoring, upgrading and diving the old gear. We are always happy to help out.
Herman, thank you for the great advice. I’m 99% sure I have the long yoke. Not sure if it is the heavy version you mentioned.
While I don’t love the cost of the banjo, I’m inclined to go that route because I will likely update the tank valve to a modern DIN with conversion fitting (my modern 1st stage is DIN). What would be a reasonable price for a banjo?
I have yet to crack the can open (c clips), but the hoses seem to be in surprisingly good condition. I think they just need a thorough cleaning.
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