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I have two VV2-55s, one in quite good condition except for a main spring that let loose, the other with quite badly worn motor but with a functional spring.

I have removed the motor from the second machine thinking I would have a go at cleaning and repacking the spring before I move on to the better motor and try to replace or reattach the spring.

It looks easier enough to remove the spring barrel from the motor--there seems to be one nut securing it.

However, it does not look like there is an easy way to open the barrel. It appears to be riveted together.

Is this correct? And if this is correct, was the machine never intended for (easy) service? How does one get the spring barrel apart and back together? Drill and re-rivet?

Here are pics of a VV2-55 motor seemingly identical to mine. (Mine is still greasy and thus quite unphotogenic.) You can see the one nut. You can also see the rivets.

With further examination and consideration, I think there is no reason that the barrel could not be reassembled using screws, either self tapping ones or ones with lock washers and nuts. There is sufficient clearance above and below the gear plate on the barrel to allow for either option.

Lah Ca wrote: Sat Dec 06, 2025 7:07 pm With further examination and consideration, I think there is no reason that the barrel could not be reassembled using screws, either self tapping ones or ones with lock washers and nuts. There is sufficient clearance above and below the gear plate on the barrel to allow for either option.

Exactly! Or, use new rivets. I would opt for screws, however. Show us what's inside once you get it opened up.

I drilled the rivets out on mine one at a time and threaded the barrel for a small machine screw, then moved to the next rivet. One it's all together with screws, mark the barrel and top so that they go back in the same exact position. Then disassemble, clean, grease, and reassemble with screws. I did not use nuts, just threaded the barrel.