Parz, we just tease each other here, there are really no secrets. I paid $70 for the re-chrome job and that included doing all the pieces in the picture. However, like most others I had to buy the reg on eBay first. So if you're going the re-chrome route your best bet is to get the cheapest case you can find.
Iknee, I have balanced all of my personal 109s. It cost a little more, but you'll find that the seats on a BA last longer and it could be my imagination, but they breathe smoother. Even though there are a few more parts involved, servicing the BA is easier than the unbalanced 109. The 109 spring is much stiffer than on a BA, but the new- so called DURO poppets used on the 109 are more flimsy than the old style poppets. This sometimes causes the feet on the Duro poppet to jump over the lever tabs and slam into the orifice and crack. Some of that problem can be attributed to the old style lever, but I find the combination of the heavy spring and flimsy poppet more trouble than it's worth.
As far as getting parts, usually I have to piece together a few second stages to get one good one, but every now and then we (the Usual Suspects) find a shop willing to make a group order for us. Our point man is usually Awap, so tell him what parts you need. It may take a while, but perhaps we can get another order in before we're too old to dive.
Skankpile, I have all the parts needed to complete it, and that can be done in a couple of minutes, but I'm afraid that if I put it together I'd want to dive it. I had it re-chromed as an experiment and investment. I wanted do this just to see how it came out and was confident that I could sell them if they looked nice. I had two of them done by two separate shops and I like the results. I sold one to a friend for the money I put into it, but unless I sell the other it will have been an expensive (but fun) experiment.
I probably will put it together and put it up for sale either here or on eBay next Spring.
c
