Is it worth Fixing?

[Jerry B.]

I have quite a few machines in my collection but not one is a family piece. I would prize a common Victrola XI if it had been in my family. Your machine is quite desirable and well worth the effort the find the missing parts. Jerry Blais

[Jerry B.]

Can you post a photo of just the tone arm bracket or the partial piece that you have? I may have the missing part. Jerry Blais

[mattrx]

OK guys, Thanks for all the advice and encouragement. Here are some more pictures. One or two relate to what Jerry asked about the tone arm. I do have a tone arm, but I do not have the bracket that attaches it to the cabinet. I also do not have the sound box. The sound box flange is broken in two. There is only part of the bullet break left. The metal portion of the horn, and the wooden horn are both there, but the screws to attach them are missing. As for the motor, it cranks with almost no resistance and does not turn the turntable once winding has stopped. I am guessing the problem lies with the spring or springs if there is more than one. I would like to know if the support is unique to this machine. I saw two on eBay earlier today, and they were slightly different heights. I did not know which would fit this VTLA.

Thank you all very much for the comments, advice, and encouragement.

Matt

[mattrx]

Would this bracket work and soundbox work? I will not use the tone arm, just the other pieces.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/170708617812?ss ... 1431.l2649

Thanks,
Matt

[Skihawx]

This is the correct tone arm.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/250909514408?ss ... 1438.l2649

Two pieced back bracket is for the VTLA

[Jerry B.]

Yes, I am positive that the assembly that Skihawx located on ebay is correct for your VTLA. It's worth quite a bit considering the tone arm is exactly the same as a Victor VI. The gold Exhibition is correct. The tone arm bracket is very early and correct for your machine. I would estimate that the value of the individual parts are:
Gold Exhibition - $65 to $90
Tone Arm - $75 to $100
Tone Arm Bracket - $35 to ???
*
If I had your VTLA, I would be prepared to spend around $200 for the ebay auction and possibly more. Good luck, I hope you get it. Jerry Blais
*
I have the bottom portion of the tone arm bracket. The piece with the knurled screw.

[Skihawx]

Good guess Jerry! Tone arm sold for $225.00.
If you need one you need one;-)

[mattrx]

I received the motor board, tone arm, tone arm bracket, and reproducer back from George V. at Great Lakes Antique Phonograph today. I have polished the hinges and hardware not on the motor board while waiting on the return of the motor board and here is what it looks like today. Does anyone have a good idea for a product to remove the black tarnish/scum from the tone arm, bullet brake, and speed control?

[mattrx]

I read a number of posts in the tips and tricks section, and took some advice from another member and used some 0000 steel wool on the tone arm, speed control, and other metal parts and the results are quite good. Thanks to all for some great advice.

[Andersun]

Hell no, send it to me!