Newbie, considering a Victrola XI

[Big Beat]

And just when I was almost done, this happened:

[Dave D]

Hi,
Congrats on your new purchase. Let us know if you need any motor parts. I would enjoy helping someone get started with free parts for this sort of project and I am sure others would not mind either.
Dave D

[RAK402]

Beautiful work!

Gorgeous machine!

Do you think something like JB Weld could be used to repair that tone arm?

I am new to this hobby, but have used JB Weld epoxy on antique toy trains, R/C helicopters, and full-sized automobiles. All of the repairs have been permanent, even in high stress/high vibration environments (some over 20 years old now).

[estott]

JB Weld is worth a try - or George Vollema should have the part

[Big Beat]

Success! I located a replacement part and got the Brunswick fully functional. It sounds a bit tinny, I guess the reproducer can stand to be rebuilt. But I will leave that to the new owner. It is for sale, from what I understand $350 should be a reasonable price to ask. The price includes an extra Ultona arm and reproducer that I scavenged for parts.

I will now see if I can get the Victrola XI running...

[Torjazzer]

Something is amiss with the reproducer if it sounds tinny. In fact, Ultonas are known for their mellow tones.

[Big Beat]

Yippee, got the Victrola working too! The grinding noise and non-spinning turntable was due to the four bolts holding the motor working themselves loose, so that the motor had dropped about an inch lower in the machine than it should have been positioned. Easily diagnosed and remedied once I had the motorboard out. Oiled the motor, re-installed it, cranked it up with that crank I managed to locate, and voila, the thing plays records gain. That was the easy part, prettying up the cabinet took much longer. Will post some pics later.

The only issue now is the spring(s), I think. There are bumping noises when cranked, and not enough power to play the record all the way through. How easy or difficult is it to remedy this issue, and how would one go about doing it?

[SignatureSeriesOwner]

Sounds like the mainsprings are either broken, or sticking from the hardened grease in the barrels. The grease worked well when new, but after 85-100+ years, well, you know.

[Henry]

Big Beat, for your reference, my XI-G with its two-spring motor will play about eight minutes on a full wind-up. I sent the motor out for a CLA about ten years ago (I've had it since 1980) and it made quite a difference in smooth running. I used these guys http://www.victrolarepairservice.com/index.html . They also rebuilt my Exhibition sound box. They should be able to bring your motor up to spec again.

BTW, nice job on the Brunswick---looks terrific!

[Big Beat]

Some current pics of the Victrola. All cleaned up and functional, other than the spring issue as described above. $250 a fair price?