Western Electric pay phone

[Sodak Bob]

I would like to get a vintage Western Electric pay phone and I know Nothing about them.  1. Can they easily be rewired to fit todays phone jack?  2. Can they be set to ring on my existing number?  3.  Are keys available somewhere?   Any other help is MUCH appreciated, as I know NOTHING about them, other than I would like one...........Thanks in advance

[Kilroy]

Eric is the resident old phone expert here, and I'm sure he'll jump to provide more help, but I can answer the easy questions.

I prchased my WE payphone rewired wired for a modular jack, and like a moden phone it not programmed for a particlar phone, i.e. incoming calls will ring on the payphone plugged into a phone jack (and a 'real' ring' not that sissy warbling)
Search the forums for telephone or payphones,  there has been discussions on parts and restoration contacts. And Ebay  always has parts and  plug and play payphones  pretty much all the time.
Coins aren't required to make a call, but then you don't mention that to family and friends  '>

[davethebirdman]

I have a Automatic Electic Pay Phone. (Not sure what the difference is) and it works over here in England.

You can by adaptors that plug straight onto the old connections and into your phone socket. I used my phone when I was in the US and it worked a dream. Mine has a built in bell (an add on I think) so be sure that there is a ringer in the one you want. Otherwise you can by a ringer seperate. Just put Payphone or pay phone into ebay and the list is almost endless. Once you get one you'll then start looking for vault locks and info cards etc. I love mine. All chrome with a black coin door.

[Eric]

Answers yes to all 3 questions....
Dave at www.oldtimephones.com can help.... also so can Phoneco
Dave is the expert on phones... I send all my stuff to him or
he tells me how to get it to work.....
Wanna see it when you get it all hooked up!

[Sodak Bob]

Thanks for the help - the phone should arrive in a week.  I will need a lock for the top - keys and '>?  I will send Dave an email when I get the phone, and post pictures when done.  Thanks again!!!!!!!!