A Vic III New To Me

[Dischoard]

Well, I can't believe the day has finally come, I've only been looking for more than 30 years, I finally have a Vic III sitting in my dining room. I probably paid WAY too much for it as it's missing a couple of little pieces but here it is. Time to scour YouTube and watch nothing but videos of Vic IIIs now so I can get acquainted with it. I've done so much work on Victrolas for myself and other people, it's cool to finally have my hands on an external horn machine. From the data plate I'm thinking this is a 1906 model? Type Vic III Serial no. 12,979

This did come with a matching cabinet that I thought was pretty neat. They really can't be separated because otherwise there's a huge Vic shaped light patch on the top of the cabinet! I've also never seen a reproducer like that before but without the needle bar it's pretty useless. Luckily I have an extra rebuilt exhibition lying around that I can use instead. If anyone knows how to source parts for this Improved Concert reproducer I'd love for someone to point the way!

The main thing missing is the dowel that holds the tonearm in place. Apparently this has been played with and messed around with in the Inn where this sat for many years. I'm just happy it had as many of the parts as it had. If anyone knows where I can source that little pin that would be lovely as well. Otherwise I might have to make something.

The cabinet was pretty full of 1930s and 40s Columbia red labels and Decca records in various states. Those are already in a box to bring to GoodWill. Did save a few Victor scroll labels and a couple of more interesting bat wings. I think this cabinet will be a great place to store my Monarchs and Victor Records, perhaps my handful of early Columbias as well though I do have a Grafonola Favorite in the attic those may be more appropriate for (my first machine when I was 18!).

Right now I'm just trying to figure out how to work the front latch to get it open and trying to stop smiling so much, can't wait to dig in and get this thing up and running. I like patina so I'm going to keep the restoration to cleaning and mechanicals, no re-plating or anything. It's easier to go forwards than it is to go backwards... Cheers!

[Roaring20s]

Congrats!

Vic III is my everyday player.

James

[Dischoard]

You've probably got the experience then... just how far in do you have to push on the release in order to raise the top? Man, I've tried and tried. And yes, the crank is out

[Roaring20s]

Those buttons can be very hard to push!
Try pushing something like an old credit card or a putty knife under the lid (above the button) to helping it unlatch.

James.

[JerryVan]

Before you declare the tonearm pivot pin missing, look in the back bracket. Many times, these pins get pushed down into the bracket in order to remove the arm and they just stick there, due to rust mostly. There is supposed to be a spring under the pin to push it back up, but corrosion sometimes prevents it.

[Dischoard]

I finally got it open, found it was much easier after taking just about everything off. I wish I had kept it closed.

On what planet was this an easier solution than fixing a broken spring?!?!

[gramophone-georg]

I finally got it open, found it was much easier after taking just about everything off. I wish I had kept it closed.

On what planet was this an easier solution than fixing a broken spring?!?!

IMG_2173.JPG

On the planet Urananus, most likely. Send that soundbox to Wyatt Markus. Send him your Exhibition too. Tell him to tune it to play electrical recordings. You'll be glad you did.

[Inigo]

The planet of no internet, where an industrious man had no money or chance to get a new spring... except inventing something to be able to use the machine! Obviously he had a friend or a neighbour with welding capability. A simple repair, and reversible!!!

[mrrgstuff]

On what planet was this an easier solution than fixing a broken spring?!?!

I found a motor with a 'fix' to get around a similar problem. Very short video of it, here:

https://youtube.com/shorts/ioOwIpKf7sc? ... MQB6vnSLdu

[Dischoard]

Yes, it does look to be reversible I just want to be really careful not to damage the barrels any more than they may be. I did say I wanted a project, just didn’t think I’d pay so much for one