Project HMV 118. Too far gone?

[jamiegramo]

Thanks for posting the update. It’s looking great! You’ve saved another scarce machine.

[Jaso]

Inside ready. Was able to save four original motorboard and horn mounting blocks. Three are newly made by me. Felt strips were taken from a 101 platter. Still need to replicate the No.32 motor oiling instruction paper.

[Jaso]

The custom water decals made especially for this 118 machine by Eduardo were excellent, but looked a bit too bright and modern. Covered them under a thin layer of ruby shellac and now they look even more vintage than the orgininals.

[Watanabehi]

The custom water decals made especially for this 118 machine by Eduardo were excellent, but looked a bit too bright and modern. Covered them under a thin layer of ruby shellac and now they look even more vintage than the orgininals.

Wonderful work!! It is just beautiful. Thank you for showing your amazing restoration work.

[Jaso]

Made a new horn mounting ear and antiqued the metal to match the surviving original. Glued an original No.32 motor oiling instruction paper to the bottom and finally added my personal Melbourne assembly line inspection markings with white crayon.

[Inigo]

Great! These machines must sound great, isn't it? I sometimes find the sound of the 101 and 102 better that the tabletop machines like 103-109-127. So these 118s with a bigger horn must be a serious thing!

[Jaso]

These large horn 114&118 tropical models with No.5 soundboxes and teak cases do sound grand when compared to ordinary 102. The 114 has even bigger sound as the lid projects more sound than sideways opening 118. However I find 118’s construction more appealing when placed semi permanently on an occasional table. Nobody seriously carries these extremely heavy machines around their property, unless you have dedicated servants for the job. The strong dual barrel No.32 motor is a joy to crank up.
Finally finished the bottom panel and added also my own restoration decal to the motorboard. Made in Calcutta 1935, restored 90 years later in Melbourne 2025.

[Inigo]

Impressive!

[Jaso]

Couple of interesting and rare 114/118 only parts. The 102 brake lever was factory modified before plating to work with the lower mounted platter of 118. The missing tonearm clip was one of the most laborous parts to make. Made an exact copy of my original one from spring steel before chrome plating. The very thin felt is original one modified from a 102 clip.