The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I picked up a Lauzon off-brand machine. Everything is nice on this machine for not being restored but when cranked there wasn't really any resistance. I'm finally into the motor and I found the inner ends of the springs (at least one of them) are in bad shape. The videos I've watched of the Victor springs show their ends as having a lip. This two-spring motor I'm dealing with uses keys on the shaft that engage into holes of the spring much like the other end of the Victor springs engage into rivets.
I've watched spin's (chilldude2007) 5-part Victor two-spring rebuild video on You-tube. I think I can handle the spring removal, repack and reinstallation. However, I am pretty sure I can't reuse my springs as-is. So, I'm looking for advice. Please look at the photos. The end of the spring (Spring 1 photo) is kinked. I don't think the key is engaging in it and if it did it is likely weakened and will break. I think the spring in Spring 2 photo may be OK. I believe if I try to straighten the tips, it will just weaken it more. I really don't to try to remove the heat treating on the end, reform it then try to retreat the spring (this has not worked well for me in the past with springs).
What are my options? I would consider buying replacements if available, or sending to someone who can perform the work.
Thoughts?

Pull the spring, measure its length and width. Many parts suppliers will then cut you a spring and create the "pear shaped" holes. Springs typically sell for $60 - $70. It's best practice to replace both springs, but not absolutely necessary.

What model Lauzon did you find? I found one in an antique shop in Greenville, MI during a visit in 2015. The motor looks similar to mine and mine has a bad end on one of the springs... I haven't gotten around to fixing it yet, so I'm not sure what I'm in for. Where do you live in Grandville? I grew up in Grand Rapids and Rockford and still have family around Grandville... We lived in Jenison for several years before moving to NC in the early '80s to get away from the lake effect snow.

Curt A wrote:What model Lauzon did you find? I found one in an antique shop in Greenville, MI during a visit in 2015. The motor looks similar to mine and mine has a bad end on one of the springs... I haven't gotten around to fixing it yet, so I'm not sure what I'm in for. Where do you live in Grandville? I grew up in Grand Rapids and Rockford and still have family around Grandville... We lived in Jenison for several years before moving to NC in the early '80s to get away from the lake effect snow.

I heard that may not be working out so well lately.

We had 4" of snow here which lasted 2-3 days... better than 2-3 months...

That is a Meisselbach Motor - that diagonal place is the indicator: http://www.radio-antiks.com/Design/Asse ... era/35.jpg

Curt A wrote:What model Lauzon did you find? I found one in an antique shop in Greenville, MI during a visit in 2015. The motor looks similar to mine and mine has a bad end on one of the springs... I haven't gotten around to fixing it yet, so I'm not sure what I'm in for. Where do you live in Grandville? I grew up in Grand Rapids and Rockford and still have family around Grandville... We lived in Jenison for several years before moving to NC in the early '80s to get away from the lake effect snow.

I'm not sure on the model. It's a fairly plain model and its missing the speaker grill. The wood is good and just needs some cleaning.
Our place is off of Ivanrest between Prarie Parkway and 44th St (behind Calvin Christian Middle/High School). It's a great area. My wife grew up in Grandville. I'm from further North (Gaylord, MI). And for the record, we don't get snow like we used to. You ended up in a good spot to get away from the cold. When I was stationed down there at Ft Bragg I only remember it getting cold once or twice!
Anyway, I am having fun tearing into this machine. They are pretty darn impressive. I'm really quite surprised at how much lighter the Lauzon is than the Victor VV 4-7 I'm parting out. Its a significant difference.

estott wrote:That is a Meisselbach Motor - that diagonal place is the indicator: http://www.radio-antiks.com/Design/Asse ... era/35.jpg

Exce!llent info! I had my doubts about the Krasberg name on the parts and no information on motors for them. There just isn't any other markings on the darn thing! So glad to have some more information now.Thank you!