Victrola #4, thumbscrew differences/problem

[Guest]

I've got two Vic #4's soundboxes, but one of them has never been able to hold soft needles. The head of the thumbscrew bottoms out before it can hold them. The screw doesn't look broken, but it's possible I guess, or it's the wrong length. Should the TIP definitely be able to hit the inside of the needle hole before the head hits it limit? The goofy one doesn't but the 'good' box does.

Some other differences:
Good one uses same screw as #5 orthophonic
Goofy one uses shorter screw with fatter threads (so I can't just use another spare #5 screw)
Good one, thumbscrew is perpendicular to the diaphragm
Goofy one, it's at a 45 deg angle (Did they change the needlebar? Wrong one?)

I don't get why the goofy one *could* have had the screw hole tapped so it would be perpendicular, because the base the hole is in is wider on that box. So I'm wondering maybe they just drilled the hole on the wrong side of the base? Or else I do simply have a too-short screw and that is moot. I tried taking a pic but can't get enough detail without being out of focus. If description is not clear lemme know and I'll give it another shot.

Thanks for any insight on what I'm dealing with here. : )