Plumbers working in the 1950s would be in their 70s or eighties by now and probably retired. I think one would be hard to find.

I think any competent contemporary plumber would be able to handle this job. Especially if you live in a city, most plumbers are used to working on old and newer plumbing.

I'm with jerzeegirl on this one. In this city, a major portion of the housing stock is infinitely older than the 1950's with much original plumbing to boot. My house is mid 30's and a good local plumber had zero problems with the issue(s) I had a couple of months ago.

Thanks! You are right jerzeegirl and duluth. Can you imagine some really old geezer still working? Monday I'll just get on the phone and mention that this is old original plumbing and listen for the right response. I'm encouraged.

Maybe you can contact the makers of the video and ask if they happen to know anyone in your area.

We just popped the caps off a 1936 Shelfback - They screw off. There's not much of a lip on them but you can do it with a pair of pliers. Hit them with some CLR first in case there is lime scale.

Good luck!

Always ;-)
Hunzi

I've tried CLR, straight white vinegar and WD 40. I've tried adjustable wrench, pliers and channel locks. I don't have a strap wrench, but I suspect it won't work either. Maybe I just don't have the right tool. They just won't budge. Hunzi, as you know they are very thin and there's not much to grab onto. The photo shows how thin (and why the faucets need to be replaced!). They only thing I haven't tried is heat. I'm so happy you were able to get yours off. After that initial hurtle how did they rest of the job go? How do the new faucets look?