Questions About Parts/Restoration for a Victrola VIII

[Vichris]

Couple of questions for the experts: I am in the process of trying to refurbish a Victrola VIII and I'm wondering what the original crank for the VIII should look like. I have been given some conflicting reports: I've seen the "tiger-striped" wood knob cranks on a few VIII's but I was told that this was not original to the VIII and that the original crank was a solid colored wood knob? Can anyone confirm?

Second question is this: I just bought a motor board knob but when I installed it the screw was too long and the knob now sits loose in the hole. Is this how the motor board knob sat or was it tight in the hole?

Lastly, when the unit is playing there is a constant clicking/squeaking sound coming from the govenor area, it seems that the two bearings just need to be re-oiled. What's the best way to get a hold of the modern day equivalent of "Victor Spring Oil". Do they still make something like this?

Thanks, in advance, for your help. Hoping it will lead to much acoustical enjoyment.

[Phonofreak]

Welcome aboard to the forum.The easiest way to identify the parts is a picture of the machine.There are many variations of the machine. Is the crank hole forward or to the middle? Does the machine have long piano hinges or short scissors hinges? Does the wooden needle cup have 2 receptacles in a straight line, or L shaped with 3 receptacles? Most important, what is the serial number of the machine? Once I get this information, I can help you.
Harvey Kravitz

[Vichris]

Thanks, Harvey! Serial number is 81457F. The crank hole is toward the middle. The wooden needle cup is the L-shaped version with 3 receptacles. I'm not sure what you are referring to as far as hinges (excuse my ignorance). Are these on the motor board, the lid or the doors?

Do you know how the motor board knob is supposed to sit? Is it supposed to have some play? I have been told that the motor board knob was the same as the door knobs, but having what amounts to maybe a ¼ inch of play when you screw the screw in leads me to believe the seller sent me door screws instead of a motor board knob screw.

[Phonofreak]

The machine you have is a later one from about 1915. The crank is a male crank (I believe)with a black knob. The best way to tell is to open the motor board and look where the crank goes. If there is a hole, then it takes a male crank. If there is a threaded end sticking out, then it uses a female crank. That type of crank is a flat bar with a black knob.The screw on the motor board is too long. It is for a door. The door hinges I was referring to, also date the machine. The early ones had a long silver hinge on the door and cabinet. This is referring to a piano hinge. The small, almost invisible hinge on the top and bottom doors is a scissors hinge by the shape of them. As far as the squeak in the governor is, oil the bearings and friction leathers.
Harvey Kravitz

[Vichris]

Thanks Harvey! Good info and much appreciated.

Do you know if any of the male keys were interchangeable, by any chance? The (broken) key I have is about 4 ½ inches across the top.

I occasionaly see keys that are about 6 ½ inches long across the top shaft. Will my model only work with the shorter winding key or can I replace it with one of the longer ones, like this one?

[Phonofreak]

You can replace it with the longer one. The threads are the same.
Harvey Kravitz

[Vichris]

Thanks again Harvey!