The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Thanks to forum member (Major_Dundee), who posted this machine in the Craigslist Alert section of this forum, I picked up this Victor XVII on Sunday.
I am posting these "before" photos at the request of another member.
Over the past week, I have been removing major amounts of dirt and grime from the finish using Goop Soap and paper towels.
The motor board has apparently become swollen in place.
It took quiet a while to gently coax the motor board up to get to the motor by removing the back of the machine and pressing up on the motor board from underneath.
Any suggestions about how to alleviate the tightness???
I tried cleaning around the edges and sides to remove any grime and grease.
Overall I think the machine will clean up nicely!
Merry Christmas to all!
Gene

What conditions was the XVII stored prior to your purchase? I've been working on my Amberola 1-A. When I got the cabinet home, I moved it to a warm dry area and after a couple of weeks the drawers moved enough to get them open. It could be that a dry area and patience is all you need. Jerry Blais

The machine came out of a basement in Harrisburg, PA.
I'll let you know if the change in humidity/temp. helps.
Gene

I removed an oak VV-XVI from a basement in Hamburg, NY about 25 years ago. Nice Golden Oak finish, and all the albums were with it. BUT...the record storage doors were so swollen, they overlapped by about a quarter inch! (The sound doors were very tight, but still closed.) I didn't know what to do about those lower doors - - they were nowhere near able to close. I considered taking them to a good woodworker I knew... Thank goodness I didn't! Within a few months, the doors shrank back to their normal size and everything fit together again.

Have a little patience (and heated living space) and your XVII will be fine!

George P.

As soon as I'm done cleaning the machine, I'll move her upstairs and into our living space.
Right now she's in the unfinished part of the basement where I have a dehumidifier running 24/7.
Next the unfinished basement is going to get a major cleaning/straightening!
Thanks George and Jerry!
-Gene

Thanks for the Kudos' Gene. I hope you have many years of enjoyment with it. Hopefully my turn will come from someone on this Forum when my situation changes. Happy Holidays!
Chris

Congratulations Gene! That is a wonderful machine.
Enjoy!
Andreas

What a great machine to have! Congrats.

I've also had wood swelling problems with the cabinets of machines stored in damp places. With any luck, a little time will address the motor board fit.

And a very Merry Christmas to you as well Gene!

Clay

Chris,
I know your time will come!
When your ready, let me know and I'll help you find something great!!!
My wife says I am a phonograph magnet
Thank you so much for unselfishly posting the link to the XVII.
I believe with all of my heart that good comes from doing good things for others.
Although you did not ask for anything, you will receive as a result of your kind act.
To Chris, Jerry, George, Andreas, Clay, and all the wonderful people on this forum;
Have a Blessed Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year
Gene Emering

The clean up continues.