Wisconsin Newb with VV-IX-A
Posted: Thu Nov 09, 2017 4:07 pm
Greetings All:
I'm new to this board and and in the process of rebuilding this Victrola. You folks here seem like a friendly and helpful bunch, so I'd like to pick the collective brain, with your kind permission!
This machine's oak finish is in very good shape. Light rust is evident on a few metal parts, etc. The platter felt looks like it has already been replaced once, but has since been grooved by the needle and shows yellow mildew stains. The innards don't look like they've been monkeyed with at all. The sound box is an Exhibition with all parts present and needs a rebuild, of course. My intent is to keep all parts as original as possible.
I've already cleaned and repacked the twin motor springs (what a job!) and cleaned and oiled all the pinions, etc. I've got the parts on hand to do the sound box in the next few days.
Have got a few questions that I'd like to pose here:
When was this machine likely built? I have one opinion that suggests the early 1920's. That doesn't sound kosher with what I've read in this forum. Serial number is 338534.
Second, a question about the lid. When closed, it doesn't sit level with the rest of the machine - i.e., it sits high (3/16") on the hinge line while the front sits tight against the round felt pads. Is this arrangement correct for this machine? I see that the upper hinge half hasn't been inlaid into the lid while the lower half has been inlaid. Maybe somebody forgot to do the upper at the factory? I can do the work, but thought I'd check here first before making sawdust.
Finally, the paper instructions are still glued in place inside, but getting a bit long of tooth. Is it advisable to cover them with a coating of varnish, shellac, etc?
So there you have it. Any help provided here would be much appreciated.
Dave Mo...
I'm new to this board and and in the process of rebuilding this Victrola. You folks here seem like a friendly and helpful bunch, so I'd like to pick the collective brain, with your kind permission!
This machine's oak finish is in very good shape. Light rust is evident on a few metal parts, etc. The platter felt looks like it has already been replaced once, but has since been grooved by the needle and shows yellow mildew stains. The innards don't look like they've been monkeyed with at all. The sound box is an Exhibition with all parts present and needs a rebuild, of course. My intent is to keep all parts as original as possible.
I've already cleaned and repacked the twin motor springs (what a job!) and cleaned and oiled all the pinions, etc. I've got the parts on hand to do the sound box in the next few days.
Have got a few questions that I'd like to pose here:
When was this machine likely built? I have one opinion that suggests the early 1920's. That doesn't sound kosher with what I've read in this forum. Serial number is 338534.
Second, a question about the lid. When closed, it doesn't sit level with the rest of the machine - i.e., it sits high (3/16") on the hinge line while the front sits tight against the round felt pads. Is this arrangement correct for this machine? I see that the upper hinge half hasn't been inlaid into the lid while the lower half has been inlaid. Maybe somebody forgot to do the upper at the factory? I can do the work, but thought I'd check here first before making sawdust.
Finally, the paper instructions are still glued in place inside, but getting a bit long of tooth. Is it advisable to cover them with a coating of varnish, shellac, etc?
So there you have it. Any help provided here would be much appreciated.
Dave Mo...