Found a nice VV-IV in the wild (Finally!)

[scooter]

Greetings!

I've been looking for a nice VV-IV or VI for a long time now since I only have Edison machines and I don't really have any room for anything larger. I'm totally excited because Friday I found a very nice VV-IV at an estate sale. This is a Model E from 1916 based on the serial number.

Most of these that I come across have some issues like a missing reproducer, wrong knobs, broken doors, louvers, you name it. My eyes popped out of my head when I saw this machine and it was 100% complete but filthy as can be. Based on some other machines and the condition of everything else in the house, it had been sitting in filth for decades perhaps. I got it for $95 which I'm quite happy with.

Below are some before and after cleaning pics. I have some Kotten Klenser but opted to use GoJo for this one since sometimes I've found the KK to soften the finish. That GoJo really works! Most of the dirt came off in one pass (brushing on, waiting a minute and wiping off). I did another pass for good measure then used the Kotten Klenser Lemon Oil with Beeswax that I like a lot.

The motor is clean solid and after a little lube, runs great. The license and lube stickers are still intact on the bottom. It's sounds quite good but next weekend I'll rebuild the reproducer. Rubber flange and gasket are cracked up as usual.

An interesting find inside was what looks like an old, hand-made mother of pearl button. When I removed the elbow from the tone arm, I saw this button in the tone arm tube. I thought it was some kind of volume control I've never heard of but realized it was a button and pushed it out. It may have been someone's attempt at further reducing the volume. Wierd...

Anyway, It's been a few years since I've been able to acquire a machine and work on it. A fun few hours for sure! It's nice to know that there are still some treasures out there hiding, just waiting for us to find them.
Scott

Before

Before

After

[barnettrp21122]

Great find, and nice cleanup job!
Nothing's more satisfying than to have a project go well without any complications!
Bob

[Andersun]

Wow, that turned out looking like it left the factory! Great cleanup job and nice machine!

[Phonofreak]

Nice machine and looking good. It's great to find original untouched machines that are begging to be cleaned up.
Harvey Kravitz

[alang]

Congratulations and great job with the cleanup. Add the new reproducer gaskets and it will really look like brand new. Enjoy!
Andreas

[phonogfp]

I thought the "before" shot was the "after" shot at first! If you think that was filthy, you should see some of the stuff in my basement! But the actual "after" shots look like a brand-new machine. Very nice! That's the way to find them...

George P.

[scooter]

Thanks for the comments everyone!

After playing with this machine a little bit, the spring is pretty thumpy and isn't loosening up so I think I'll need some "Spring Cleaning". What grease is on the outside of the motor is petrified so I'm sure the grease inside is rock hard too. Too bad the spring barrel doesn't have a little plug like the Edison motors where you can just squirt some new grease in to get you by.

I'll start a new post this weekend in the "Tips and Tricks" section documenting the process. Didn't see any pics in the forum but found several others online and some good videos. I'll definitely have my gloves and safety glasses on!

My IV has a single spring motor, anyone have any tips for removing and opening this particular type?
Thanks,
Scott