I have a 1958 Gillette super speed that I obtained and was wondering about a few things when it comes to reassembling them. First, do you want the doors open or closed when you put the C clamp back on and second what is the easiest way to get the C clamp back on? I am having a heck of time trying to get in on.
I've disassembled and re-assembled an M1 before, not sure if your '58 is similar. On the M1, there is a recessed portion inside the TTO knob that is just slightly larger than the C clip. I use this recessed portion to help with re-installation. With the C clip still partially expanded, I push 1 side of it down and into the groove on the stem. The opposite side of the clip remains higher up on top of the stem. I thread the TTO knob anti-clockwise until the portion of the C clip that is in the groove on the stem just begins to enter the recessed portion of the TTO knob, and then work the rest of clip down and into the groove on the stem with a small screwdriver. I continue to turn the TTO knob very slightly more anti-clockwise during this process which helps to hold the C clip in the groove. This is something of a juggling act, and it took me several tries to get it figured out. Be patient, after you've removed and re-installed the clip a few times it's no longer such a tedious chore.
