554 fingerplate removal

[T***@aol.com]

I've been to six different websites and each site describes the same
procedure for removing that plastic dial (fingerplate). Yet I cannot
seem to get it off. I really want to change the phone number label.
What am I doing wrong? It's a Western Electric 554 wall phone with two
dates printed inside. One on the metal frame (8-73) and one on the
network (8-67).
Bryan

[DTC]

Post by T***@aol.com
I've been to six different websites and each site describes the same
procedure for removing that plastic dial (fingerplate). Yet I cannot
seem to get it off. I really want to change the phone number label.
What am I doing wrong? It's a Western Electric 554 wall

Sheesehhh...last time I had to pop off the dial cover was in 1976 or so.
To the best of my recollection I had to pry a very small flat bladed
screwdriver under on edge. It was a black dial wall ITT phone.

[Al Gillis]

Post by DTC

Post by T***@aol.com
I've been to six different websites and each site describes the same
procedure for removing that plastic dial (fingerplate). Yet I cannot
seem to get it off. I really want to change the phone number label.
What am I doing wrong? It's a Western Electric 554 wall

Sheesehhh...last time I had to pop off the dial cover was in 1976 or so.
To the best of my recollection I had to pry a very small flat bladed
screwdriver under on edge. It was a black dial wall ITT phone.

Totalrod2:
All this is from my CRS afflicted memory so use with care!

Does this telephone have a clear plastic finger plate on the dial? If so
does it have a paper-clip sized hole at about the four o'clock position? If
so, insert the end of a straightened out paper clip into the hole and push
it down, towards the interior of the telephone (that should release the
finger plate retainer). Then, with pressure on the paper clip rotate the
finger plate counter-clockwise a few degrees and it should pop right off.

To replace the finger plate, position it on the mechanism and rotate it all
(the finger plate along with the dial mechanism) to the "Zero" position.
Then continue turning the finger plate clockwise until the retainer locks
the plate in position. It's easy after you've done it a few times - it's
maddeningly difficult if you don't know the trick!

[DTC]

Post by Al Gillis

Post by DTC

Post by T***@aol.com
I've been to six different websites and each site describes the same
procedure for removing that plastic dial (fingerplate). Yet I cannot
seem to get it off. I really want to change the phone number label.
What am I doing wrong? It's a Western Electric 554 wall

Sheesehhh...last time I had to pop off the dial cover was in 1976 or so.
To the best of my recollection I had to pry a very small flat bladed
screwdriver under on edge. It was a black dial wall ITT phone.

All this is from my CRS afflicted memory so use with care!
Does this telephone have a clear plastic finger plate on the dial? If so
does it have a paper-clip sized hole at about the four o'clock position? If
so, insert the end of a straightened out paper clip into the hole and push
it down, towards the interior of the telephone (that should release the
finger plate retainer). Then, with pressure on the paper clip rotate the
finger plate counter-clockwise a few degrees and it should pop right off.
To replace the finger plate, position it on the mechanism and rotate it all
(the finger plate along with the dial mechanism) to the "Zero" position.
Then continue turning the finger plate clockwise until the retainer locks
the plate in position. It's easy after you've done it a few times - it's
maddeningly difficult if you don't know the trick!

Opps...my bad. I was thinking of the center piece. Yep, you have to
paper clip the hole and over turn the dial. Its all coming back to me now.

[T***@aol.com]

I got it! Thanks guys. I wasn't turning the dial hard enough (for fear
of breaking it). Have a merry Christmas.
Bryan