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  • La Dorio

    I have just recieved a La Dorio, unsure of the model but given that the Dorio workshop closed in the mid 1970s I would say that this would be one of the last machines produced by them. It was sold as in "working condition" but turns out to be missing a number of key parts including the pump and the portafilters. Anyone that might have any information or leads on this machine would be really appreciated.








  • #2
    Re: La Dorio

    Heres a photo of the groups - they are absolutely huge and chunky. Unfortunately it looks like this machine has been stored outside in the rain for a while - the rust has taken a pretty good hold of the bodywork.
    But there is something very cool about it, it is so simple inside if I can find the parts it should be a nice project.

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    • #3
      Re: La Dorio

      I used to repair one of these about 10 years ago but the shop closed. i do remember the portofilters being similar to a BoEma only with wooden handles on them. Any rotary pump should do the job just change the wiring to suit.

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      • #4
        Re: La Dorio

        Is that the one from evilbay a month or two back?

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        • #5
          Re: La Dorio

          Yeah, i got it just before christmas, but it was out in the middle of nowhere and it took me a long time to get my act together to collect it. I fear it may have spent this time in the rain. The guy who sold it said it was from a cafe in the cross, apparently near the original location of the tropicana. He also said it was in working condition but theres no way I would plug this thing in in its current state.
          So far I have not had any luck with the portafilters - I think they have offset lugs like a brasilia (ie not at 9 oclock and 3 0clock like a rancilio or faema) because the group has the slots at 9 and 3 (if you follow me) Also, I think the lugs may be a little thinner or higher on the PF body than a Rancilio PF as I cannot turn it once its engaged in the group, but i may be wrong, its really hard to look up in there and see whats going on.
          This project is looking like one that could cost a serious amount of money and its got me a bit worried. I might have to see if i can get some used parts to get it going and then go from there. Anyone got a spare rotary pump they are looking to offload?

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          • #6
            Re: La Dorio

            Hey Aaron i had to go look at my grouphaeds after this you confused me.

            My LaDorio has the 9 /3 group heads so needs (and has) 1.30pm / 7.30pm group handles (looking at basket)

            i have just tried a san marino handle i have in my dorio heads and it is a very close fit. it is the 1.30 / 7.30

            the La dorio basket fits the SM and the SM locks in ok but the lugs on the SM GHandle are a little "bigger" and that may have an impact.

            but a San marino handle might be worth a try...
            i would wait to it is running before you spend $$$ on a Ghandel... you might be able to borrow one to test

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            • #7
              Re: La Dorio

              That was my thinking, I was sure something out there would fit, its just a matter of finding and trying it.
              I pulled the left hand boiler pressure guage off on the weekend, Its actually a Bezzera Guage and the inside was full of rust flakes so I guess its cactus. New bezzera ones on Coffee parts are around $80, but there might b a cheaper source out there.
              The whole machine looks like it may have been modified at some point, there are welds and pipe extensions that just dont look stock. I have been thinking of removing the front plate and exposing those big chrome groups, but at the moment I am not quite ready to launch into full restoration mode. At least not until I can amass some parts.

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              • #8
                Re: La Dorio

                Just an observation, but working side of the machine looks very (period) bezzera.

                Try  a bezzera / bo-ema group handle and of course must have a coffee filter ("basket") in.

                Another observation, but you might consider putting this one down to experience and looking for something that is known to be complete if not running, and also known never to have been bodgied up so you are only dealing with a known "quantity" instead of a bunch of unknowns.

                A.

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                • #9
                  Re: La Dorio

                  if you have a few pics of the boiler, i would be interested in seeing to compare to mine etc

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                  • #10
                    Re: La Dorio

                    I will try and get my hands on a bezzera PF. My cousing has a small mini Bar like Mals, so hopefully it will have the stock PF and not some smaller domestic sized one.
                    I Appreciate the advice, but after working on my Z11 this machine is increadibly simple, no dosers, no motherboard. I figured I would just get the electric checked to make sure it is safe enough to try and turn on, then see if I can get is up to pressure. If not I will leave it at that. But I have been looking for a machine that would allow some customisation, and if this machine even half works its the prefect combination of retro cool without being something your are too hesitant to modify. Having said that after a year of working on the Rancilio project, I am not ready to launch into another, more complex rebuild just yet.

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                    • #11
                      Re: La Dorio

                      I just missed out on a Nuova Simonelli on that auction site as a parts machine (was after a pump pressure gauge and pipework). Went for just under $50 and included a pump - so keep your eyes open and you may get some of the parts you need that way.
                      Of course you might end up with yet more parts that dont work...

                      I checked my little Gaggia and it also has the P/F lugs at 1:30 and 7:30, group head at 9 and 3. So that may be another option.

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                      • #12
                        Re: La Dorio

                        I have an old Gaggia Espresso, that I was going to try on Saturday. Will post my findings.
                        I saw that Nuova Simonelli, my problem is my wife would freak out if another machine turned up, even if it was just for parts.

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                        • #13
                          Re: La Dorio

                          Originally posted by 4666756869070 link=1298846577/11#11 date=1299708209
                          I have an old Gaggia Espresso, that I was going to try on Saturday. Will post my findings.
                          I saw that Nuova Simonelli, my problem is my wife would freak out if another machine turned up, even if it was just for parts.
                          I have the same spousal issue. My plan, if I got it, was for it to be stripped before ever getting home and dump the frame at a metal recycling centre so that only relatively small parts ever appeared in the garage. ;D

                          Good luck, hope it powers up and holds pressure

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                          • #14
                            Re: La Dorio

                            Thats like dismembering a body in a lonely carpart some place... I love it. and I can hear the questions already. Why do you have all these spanners and sockets in the back of your car? Is this rust?

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                            • #15
                              Re: La Dorio

                              lol on the recent move to QLD the SWMBO saw the removal men carrying a blanket covered "thing" turned and asked me

                              her :" i havent seen that machine before HAVE I"

                              me: ............. (i had no real answer.....) 

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