David,

I too have an upright Chickering Stoddard Ampico, and I think we can
help each other out here.  My player is complete and playing OK, but I
need to redo the stack (an older restoration).  I'll try to answer any
questions for you that I can.

My questions for you involve the piano action.  My action is original
and quite worn out - to the point where I rarely play the piano
anymore, despite it's great tone.  Can you tell me more about the brass
rails in the piano action - I understand this is different from most
pianos and potentially a rebuilding problem.

I think it would be helpful to have a chat over the phone about this -
we can probably come to conclusions in a few minutes that might take
days or weeks by email.  Call me at 847-548-6416 (Chicago area; try
evenings) or email me your number and I'll call you.  Good luck with
your restoration, I bet the piano is well worth it!

Regards,¶
Rob DeLand¶
(deland_robert@macmail1.csg.mot.com)