Victor Credenza Barn Find Rescue And Info On The Restore

[Kevan]

Wow that's a great looking machine. How did you get the lid shocks to work I would think they were dried out when you found it?

[Herderz]

Thanks Bill & Kevan. The dashpot cylinders were dried up but after a thorough cleaning and neatsfoot oil conditioning they became functional again.

[Herderz]

I got a question for Credenza owners. How many screws mount the 2 back panels to the cabinet? My deteriorated back panels show 1 wood screw hole in the center of the lapped panels. 3 ¼"x 20 screw mounts at the bottom, 1 in the center and 1 on both ends of the panel at the bottom. These are tapped "L" brackets at the bottom of the case. They must have some kind of spacer because they are set back in the bottom of the cabinet.

I made new back panel bases to match the old panels out of ⅜" plywood that I ripped and routed to the spec of the old wood. I rough fitted the panels before starting on the veneer.

Next after prepping the panels I started on the veneer. What would be to best book match, balanced cut of the veneer.

After looking at it for a while I thought this would be the best cut for what I had. So I laied the cuts out and made my panel sheet for the panels

After veneering the panels and cutting and sanding down the edges I dry fitted the panels again before the lacquer finish.

4 coats of lacquer and I think the panels look to good to be on the back of the machine but who am I? I am going to wait until I get a little input on the correct hardware before I drill any holes in the new back panels.

[Herderz]

The reason for the delay is that I did not get any hardware screws with the machine so I am going blind on how to proceed. I don't know what I don't at this point. Any enlightment on the subject would be much appreciated.

[Herderz]

After advice from members and pic's from Jerry I was able to complete the mounting of the new back panels. I bought some truss head screws and some cup washers to use. They were zinc plated steel so I brushed the heads of the screws and the cup washers then I gun blued them for a near black finish. I also did the same to some replacement motor board and tonearm board mounting screws. I sealed the horn joints inside and out with clear silicone and put it all back together.

The wood work is now complete and I don't have but a few things left to do. A couple motor mounting screws and a door knob for the front and finally a crank to replace the one I fab'd up to hear it play. It has taken about 7 months but I like were I am at on this rescue.

[Herderz]

Well this thread has come to a end. I got the last pieces I needed to finish my rescue. Thanks Jerry. This machine will be my workhorse in the shop to listen and enjoy music. It has been challenging but well worth it. I don't know what will come next but I am always looking. I would love to come across a external horn disc player or maybe a curved Sonora. Who knows it could also be anything I think disserves to come back to life.

[JerryVan]

Nice work!!

[audiophile102]

It's really great to see restoration stories like this one. The results you have obtained are outstanding. Congratulations.

[Inigo]

Fine and marvelous work! Thanks for sharing this interesting report!