Tripod hlep i just got a new vinten pro tripod. i just realised that it isnt level (via the meter) and am trying to make the head level. it doesnt sit in the top of the tripod flat and is on an angle. is there any way to take the head off so i can straighten it??

Available replacement parts for Sunpack tripods are pretty much limited to new heads, mounting plates, or carry cases; take a look at what B&H Photo has to offer. You don't say what specific tripod you have, but I'd suggest a search at eBay where several are available at auction right now. Furthermore, a check of completed auction/sales shows both new and lightly used ones sold in the past month for between $10 to $50. Buy one for parts or use it as is. You won't find any part plus shipping for less than that.

Sunpack makes consumer not pro level tripods even though the term Pro may appear in some product names. When you buy a tripod that costs $400 and up without the head, you get more options for replacement parts. I have a Sunpack myself for lightest duty when hiking, but my main tripod is a Manfrotto with the grip head. The huge difference in cost makes a corresponding difference in what parts I can find online. When my Sunpack broke (in a different way than yours but equally unusable) I used gaffer's tape to hold it together until I could find a new one (on eBay for $15).

Good luck!

Try this link it is the closest i have found for the vinten 556 so far.
http://www.vinten.com/en/system/files/file/downloads/3741_8.pdf

On a side note on that vinten pedestal you should use nitrogen gas on (vapor in air can rust inside parts).
We get a local commercial refridgeration and A/C service company to come and fill our up. it can take a bit of time to get a fitting that will work (we mod us to be a commen one they use) but i understand this part for the newer pedestals could work on the old models. http://www.vinten.com/en/product/nitrogen-charging-adaptor

There is no point in addressing queries to individuals - none of us are members of staff, merely volunteers who try to help.

You can get a 3/8 to 1/4 adapter at any reputable camera store, or on eBay.

I guess it depends what part of the world you are in. Have you tried the Vinen website? They seem to have contacts in most parts of the globe. http://www.vinten.com/

You can still order the plate that attaches the camera/scope to the head from Eagle Optics directly at this link:
http://www.eagleoptics.com/tripod-accessories/vortex/radian-pro-gt-quick-release-plate

Conect a large weight to underneath the apex of the tripod ...more weight more stability

one of the treads in the tripodas head is broken try unscrewing the grip the other way to remove it, then examine the grip, if one of the threads on the part of the grip that screws in to the head, is broken then you might be able to get a new grip, and that might work, but there might also be damaged threads inside the tripod head, in which case you neet to replace the head if you can, but if you cant, then I do not think that you can repair that tripod

IT SOME TIMES TAKES A LOT OF EFFORT TO SEPARTE THE HEAD FROM THE TRIPOD. MAKE SURE YOU REMOVE THE 3 LITTLE SCREWS FROM BELOW THE HEAD, AND MAKE SURE THE TRIPOD AND HEAD ARE NOT COLD. IF THEYA RE WARM THEY WILL SEPARATE EASIER.

found these guys online and they sell the parts.

Steve Jean-Charles
The Vitec Group plc
Camera Dynamics Inc.
709 Executive Blvd.
Valley Cottage, NY 10989
USA
p. 845-268-0100 Ext: 147
f. 845-268-0113
e. [email protected]
http://www.vitecgroup.com

Try tripodquickrelease.com. They sell some repair parts for velbon tripods.