Imperial No. 2 restoration

[phonogfp]

Victrola No.2 sound boxes use a similar gasket design - - it's even close to the same color!

George P.

[jboger]

Victrolaboy: It seems to be the same gasket diameter as the Exhibition. I want a fresh start on it, so not doing it tonight. May look at it tomorrow.

[gramophone78]

Victrola No.2 sound boxes use a similar gasket design - - it's even close to the same color!

George P.

I was thinking the same thing George... .

[jboger]

If you look on the interstice.com website, you will find an Imperial No. 2 with the same color gasket.

[gramophone78]

If you look on the interstice.com website, you will find an Imperial No. 2 with the same color gasket.

Not sure what website you posted. Maybe if you provide a proper link.. .

Unless you mean Lynn's website "intertique.com?? ....

http://www.intertique.com/DAndRImperialIDDemo.html

I didn't know they used a gasket much the same as a Victrola #2. I would phone Ron and ask him if the gasket will work as a substitute. He will be able to help you with that.

I guess we learn something new every day... .

[phonogfp]

If you look on the interstice.com website, you will find an Imperial No. 2 with the same color gasket.

I wasn't questioning the originality of the Imperial's gasket; just drawing a comparison to a far more commonly-seen sound box. I've seen a number of Imperials in person with the same red, exposed gaskets.

George P.

[jboger]

George: Didn't think you were questioning its originality. But I had noticed the same red color on the intertique website and thought it might be more than coincidental.

The autocorrect function turned what I had originally typed into "interstice" without me catching it. But no harm done, right?

[phonogfp]

The autocorrect function turned what I had originally typed into "interstice" without me catching it. But no harm done, right?

No harm as far as I'm concerned...

George P.

[Phonofreak]

I have an Imperial NO. 2, also. Here is what I did to rebuild the reproducer: I, too noticed the one piece gasket material. It was hard as a rock. I carefully removed the gasket as not to harm the Aluminum diaphragm. I have some Victrola NO.2 gasket material. This is the red spongy material that I got from Ron Sitko. The diaphragm and reproducer is about the same size as an Exhibition reproducer. I had to cut the Victrola NO.2 gaskets so it would fit. Then I glued the gasket using red RTV silicone that you can get at any auto store. The color is exactly like the gaskets. Apply very carefully using a toothpick. Let dry and cure for 24 hours. Then re-attach the needlebar and diaphragm. Then cut the gasket to fit over the diaphragm. Apply the red RTV on the outer edge of the diaphragm. Use a very small amount by applying with a toothpick. That way there won't be excess leaking on the diaphragm. Then attach the gasket onto the diaphragm. To hold the gasket in place, use scotch tape. Again, let dry and cure for 24 hours. After everything is dry, remove the tape. Then apply some RTV around the outer edge to fill the gap between the inside and outside gaskets. Again, let it dry and cure for 24 hours. After that, your reproducer will be ready to play. Good luck with your restoration.
Harvey Kravitz

[gramophone78]

I have an Imperial NO. 2, also. Here is what I did to rebuild the reproducer: I, too noticed the one piece gasket material. It was hard as a rock. I carefully removed the gasket as not to harm the Aluminum diaphragm. I have some Victrola NO.2 gasket material. This is the red spongy material that I got from Ron Sitko. The diaphragm and reproducer is about the same size as an Exhibition reproducer. I had to cut the Victrola NO.2 gaskets so it would fit. Then I glued the gasket using red RTV silicone that you can get at any auto store. The color is exactly like the gaskets. Apply very carefully using a toothpick. Let dry and cure for 24 hours. Then re-attach the needlebar and diaphragm. Then cut the gasket to fit over the diaphragm. Apply the red RTV on the outer edge of the diaphragm. Use a very small amount by applying with a toothpick. That way there won't be excess leaking on the diaphragm. Then attach the gasket onto the diaphragm. To hold the gasket in place, use scotch tape. Again, let dry and cure for 24 hours. After everything is dry, remove the tape. Then apply some RTV around the outer edge to fill the gap between the inside and outside gaskets. Again, let it dry and cure for 24 hours. After that, your reproducer will be ready to play. Good luck with your restoration.
Harvey Kravitz

Sounds like a very inexpensive way to rebuild the sound box to me.. .