The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Thank you for your interest in this restoration Richard. Glad you are enjoying it. The 16-E changer requires a lot of patience and precision measurements when calibrating and aligning the changer for proper operation. A lot of precision machining went into the changer design and production. Once fully serviced and properly aligned/calibrated they are amazing performers.

Jon

With the changer now complete.  The magnetic head-shell only remains to be rebuilt before we start in on final testing of the changer.  All items are being installed back into the cabinet and wire placement has started.  Small items such as replacing the hardened rubber gasket materiel and replacing the power cord were the next tasks to complete.  The entire record compartment was sound proofed starting in 1937.  This Capehart feature included all models.  As a result, very little mechanical noise was heard from the compartment when playing records.  These machines were originally meant to be played with the compartments closed up.  Of course today, it is a fascination to see these marvels work in action so most collectors leave the doors open for that very reason.  We also tacked veneer separation on the rear side of the radio/changer shelf before installing the changer into the cabinet.

This restoration is now coming to a close.  The finished result below of everything cleaned, organized per the factory set up from 1937, and placed as it was in 1937.  I took the time to hand cut each paper retainer for the wiring.  Capehart utilized this method with brads and penny nails all thru the 1930's and early 1940's.  It was their method to organize the wiring within the cabinet.  Very rarely will you see such a restored machine as the one pictured today.  No one really goes to this length to really re-create this level of originality today.  Almost always, the paper tabs are broken due to age or someone else already once into the set.  This Capehart had seen service several times over the last 50 years.  Now brought back to the factory set up, it is ready to entertain for years to come.  Once the head-shell servicing is complete we will perform testing on the record changer and then sign off on the restoration.  I have been listening to the radio for several weeks now, it is perfect and complete in terms of service.  One of the finest sounding sets of 1937 with full high fidelity control for AM.  This is one of the finest radios of 1937 that money could buy!

The restoration is coming along really nicely now and it will be great to see and hear the final result when its ready. It looks like you have done a really thorough restoration on the machine and paid attention to even the smallest details. I am certain the owner will be thrilled with the results and have many years of faultless operation thanks to your diligence. I see that you have even had new keys cut for the lock outs - that really is attention to detail. Excellent work.

Thank you Richard, I appreciate your comments and interest in this restoration series. Let it show as an mirror image of what we will be doing to your Capehart as well down the road. I really enjoy restoring these machines for people whom appreciate them and know just how special they really are.

Jon

Video 7: https://youtu.be/ojD-ysRRw50?feature=shared

With the restoration coming to a close I thought I would upload a video showcasing all service work performed before the final demonstration video of the Capehart playing.

Video link above

Video 8: https://youtu.be/tTyfFKA-WGU?feature=shared

This restoration is now complete and the Capehart is ready to be returned to the owner. He is very excited. A final demonstration video link is above. In the video I go through the machine thoroughly discussing how to operate the all-wave tuner as well as the record player. It is a long video, although most informative for those whom are interested in understanding how these Capehart's operate. Pictures of the finished result as well below. Thank you to all whom tuned in, commented, and enjoyed this documented restoration.

Wanted to post one last video of the Capehart playing, post restoration, without my commentary:

https://youtu.be/7WWqkLY4xf0?feature=shared

The customer picked up his unit after a 4 month long restoration, last Friday. He is very pleased and plays the 16-E record player daily filling his house with tunes of the 1920s and 1930s.

Restoration completed

Jon

We are amazed at the quality of your work, many, many thanks for such an entertaining and illustrative report.

Amazing work.