Question about early Vic turntables--how to remove

[jboger]

Yes, the speed control has been swapped out. You can see the outline of the original escutcheon. I have a period one that I can put back on. It would leave two small screw holes, however. I can live with that if the rest is original.

Don't Vic IIs have feet? This one doesn't have any feet. Also I thought the Vic II was the same thing as a humpback. There is no hump on the back of mine. That's why I ruled out a Vic II, which does have a single-spring motor. Maybe i'm wrong.

[OrthoSean]

It's a Victor III cabinet with a non-Victor III motor. The Victor III should have a double spring motor, so yes, you've got sort of a Franken-phone. It shouldn't be too hard to find the correct motor.

Sean

[jboger]

I was beguiled.

It looks like this motor has been with the machine for quite some time. Everything is Vic III except the motor and the speed control, which I can correct.I thought to reconsign it to an auction, but it's more satisfying to try to bring this machine back to its original state.

Here's a photo of the entire machine

[OrthoSean]

Finding the correct motor shouldn't be too much of a challenge, especially if you're patient. I believe the early VV-IX used the same motor, so you might luck out if anyone has a junk machine with that part. I'm only guessing, but the motor you have in there now looks like one from an early-ish VV-IV and if it's working as it is, at least you can enjoy the machine while you're searching.

Sean

[gramophone78]

Looks as though you will need to locate a correct crank and escutcheon plate as well. The data plate for an early III will be a challenge. The motor (also used on a Vic IV) may have been early for a slotted crank...??. Without knowing the actual serial number.....we will never know.

The horn looks quite rusted and will require replacement or heavy restoration.

It really is a question of "worth". Is it worth sinking a fair amount of time and money into a very common machine that can be bought in great all original condition for $800-$1200.

It may cost almost that for just the correct parts needed.

IMHO, I would pass it along.

[jboger]

Gramophone78: your humble opinion hits the nail on the head, not to mix my metaphors. I've always preferred to find my own stuff and have seldom bought from dealers. Has this been cost effective? Probably not. I recently bought a roller organ from a dealer. It's in great condition, really beautiful. The dealer was great. We went over the organ, the bellows, the mechanism. I got it for a great price. If I waited for a barn find I probably would have ended up with a piece of junk with torn bellows in need of significant and costly repair. Still that "barn find" is a powerful magnet for me. What I got in the Vic III is still less than your lower estimate. If I consign it to even a good auction, I will probably lose a couple hundred dollars. I will let it sit. If the right motor comes along, I'll drop it in. I believe the crank escutcheon is correct. I don't see any signs of it being tampered with. The crank itself is an early flat one with female threads. Was the original one slotted, who knows? Any way, this baby will sit high on a shelf next to a weird table top model I got sans governor. There they can sit and dream together of nights long ago, when the music they made brought some measure of joy to a family now long gone.

[TinfoilPhono]

they can sit and dream together of nights long ago, when the music they made brought some measure of joy to a family now long gone.

That comment presses all the right buttons for me. A lovely way to express the sentiment that all antiques have a story to tell. Thanks for that.

[gramophone78]

Gramophone78: your humble opinion hits the nail on the head, not to mix my metaphors. I've always preferred to find my own stuff and have seldom bought from dealers. Has this been cost effective? Probably not. I recently bought a roller organ from a dealer. It's in great condition, really beautiful. The dealer was great. We went over the organ, the bellows, the mechanism. I got it for a great price. If I waited for a barn find I probably would have ended up with a piece of junk with torn bellows in need of significant and costly repair. Still that "barn find" is a powerful magnet for me. What I got in the Vic III is still less than your lower estimate. If I consign it to even a good auction, I will probably lose a couple hundred dollars. I will let it sit. If the right motor comes along, I'll drop it in. I believe the crank escutcheon is correct. I don't see any signs of it being tampered with. The crank itself is an early flat one with female threads. Was the original one slotted, who knows? Any way, this baby will sit high on a shelf next to a weird table top model I got sans governor. There they can sit and dream together of nights long ago, when the music they made brought some measure of joy to a family now long gone.

Sounds like a plan. I personally have never seen a flat crank on a Victor III. Maybe if a better pic showing that side would help. Someone mentioned that the motor may have been out of a early Victrola IV...that may explain the flat crank... .

[mattrx]

Which motor does this take? I have a motor from an early IX sitting on my work bench-2 springs in 2 barrels. If it will work, pm me and we'll work something out. I also have the crank for the IX and the crank escutcheon. Once, I had an early IX that I was restoring and ended up with 2 motors after buying a "lot of parts" off eBay. I do not own a Vic III anymore, but the one I had was 2 springs in one barrel.

Matt

[OrthoSean]

Every III I've seen has two springs in two barrels. The flat crank in this one further suggests this is a motor from an earlier VV-IV. I've not seen any III's with slotted cranks, mine has a female threaded crank, but of course that doesn't mean they weren't ever made with slotted cranks. If nobody here beats me to it, I will post a photo later of the motor from my III if that would be of any help. I agree completely about hanging on and waiting for parts. I bought a 10-35 in amazing condition over 15 years ago that had gone through some "modernizing" in about 1929 when someone decided to remove the horn and add a radio and it's been stored at my parents' place since because my Mom loves the cabinet. I've just recently found a horn (thanks to TMF member brianu) and a grill (thanks to TMF member Schweg) and the machine will finally be original again once I have the space to get it home and put back as it should be. So, patience can pay off.

Sean