VE-XVIII Restoration

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OUBenton
Victor Jr
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Mar 22, 2025 11:38 am

VE-XVIII Restoration

Post by OUBenton »

After many years of watching auctions for a nice player my wife and I finally acquired our first Victrola! We were fortunate enough to win this nice VE-XVIII with all the bits-n-bobs you see in the photos. She is in beautiful cosmetic condition but unfortunately it seems her power supply and motor need attention. Just getting into it but not getting 32 volts at the switch plug (around 16v) so I am assuming one or more of the resistors are bad. Still need to test each resistor. The lamp is working so I assume the 1100ohm "lamp resistor" is OK. Also, it appears the motor bell-housing is gone, which I would like to replace. When I attempt to apply 32v to the motor with a variac, it won't load (my cheapo variac will only supply voltage when a load is present). My output to the motor sometimes displays around 10v and I have detected current when I touch the power toggle on the side of the turntable (signs of shorting?). So, questions for the forum.
1-Does anyone know of a source for replacement resistors for this player?
2-At this point I am guessing this motor needs to be serviced or replaced? Any suggestions from someone with experience?
Thanks in advance for your comments and advice. We can't wait to start enjoying this player!
Attachments
VE-XVIII #9.jpg
VE-XVIII #8.jpg
VE-XVIII #7.jpg
VE-XVIII #6.jpg
VE-XVIII #5.jpg
VE-XVIII #3.jpg
VE-XVIII #2.jpg
VE-XVIII #1.jpg

Garret
Victor IV
Posts: 1640
Joined: Wed Jan 07, 2009 10:07 pm
Location: Lille, France

Re: VE-XVIII Restoration

Post by Garret »

Wow! What a machine for your first one! :shock: Congratulations! :D

Jerry B.
Victor Monarch Special
Posts: 8703
Joined: Tue Feb 10, 2009 11:25 am
Personal Text: Stop for a visit when in Oregon.
Location: Albany, Oregon

Re: VE-XVIII Restoration

Post by Jerry B. »

I agree with Garret, you picked a dandy first Victrola. I doubt if the motor needs replacement but I'll leave that to the experts. Congratulations!

Jerry B.

JerryVan
Victor Monarch Special
Posts: 6380
Joined: Mon Aug 24, 2009 3:08 pm
Location: Southeast MI

Re: VE-XVIII Restoration

Post by JerryVan »

There are several wiring options for the resistor pack, depending upon what voltage is being supplied. If you have a look in the back, there should be an instruction sheet indicating what connections are needed for a given supply voltage. If none of that works, you can do what some have done, and what I did for a while. I used a Variac, which is a variable transformer that allows you to dial in the exact voltage you need. It worked great for me until I could locate a resistor pack and wiring harness. Whatever the case, NEVER leave it plugged in while not in use. There is no particular known danger with these, other than their having a 110 year old electrical system.

I'll also add that this a really nice example!! Don't do anything to the finish besides keeping it clean. :)

OUBenton
Victor Jr
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Mar 22, 2025 11:38 am

Re: VE-XVIII Restoration

Post by OUBenton »

JerryVan-Thanks for your post and advice. So, regarding the wiring label...it is aged to the point where it is not readily legible. I took a photo of the label, enlarged and enhanced it...managed to read it well enough to feel it is properly wired. Also, considering it was sold new at a shop here in Louisville, which is where we acquired it last week, I assume it was and still is wired for 110volts (barring, of course, a shoddy repair attempt). Here is a photo of the resistor pack and the current wiring configuration:

Thanks also for your suggestion regarding the variac. Our goal here is to use the player so I am thinking I would like a modern voltage supply system for daily driving (I assume that resistor pack might get a little hot). Out of respect for the machine, I would also like to restore the original electrical system as well.
Attachments
VE-XVIII resistor pack.jpg
VE-XVIII resistor pack.jpg (91.26 KiB) Viewed 1465 times

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LimeTree99
Victor O
Posts: 56
Joined: Wed Dec 13, 2023 12:53 pm

Re: VE-XVIII Restoration

Post by LimeTree99 »

Very nice photos. I always wondered what Victor's cabinet factory chose to do with the winding key escutcheon molding on this model. Kinda neat how they gave it a little carving instead of leaving it blank

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