The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi All, I am new to the forum and new to talking machines but am attempting to restore an upright Columbia with a 3 spring motor. I would appreciate any help. There was no resistance when cranking the motor and when I disassembled I discovered that all three springs were disengaged from the arbors. There are actually 2 arbors in these motors and it looks like someone may have cranked in the wrong direction because each of the springs are bent up at the inner arbor end. None of the springs are broken and I have removed the springs and cleaned and greased and reinstalled in the drums but I now find it impossible to hook the springs to the arbor and get the drums reassembled and in place without the springs coming off the arbors. I have tried to re-bend the spring ends to conform to the arbors but not sure that I have them exactly where they need to be. Are there any tips on reattaching the springs and getting the drums reassembled? I have spent hours trying to assemble and haven't made much progress. Again, thanks for any help you can provide.

Hey Frenchie.

I haven't rebuilt too many motors but I have done a Columbia 3 spring and I had the very same problem you are describing.
I almost gave up but persevered and eventually it all came together. Unfortunately, I can't offer any tips or special tricks as I've only ever rebuilt the one, but you described everything I tried to a 'T'. I continued to try to bend the spring ends so they'd be in the perfect position when I reassembled and tried to catch them on the arbors.

Good luck. Hopefully someone with some real help will post a helpful reply soon.

Thanks Mr.Grumpy, I will try again. I was just hoping someone might have discovered a method to make the process a little easier. I may try to pull the spring center out far enough to file the hole that attaches the spring to the arbor in the hopes of making it attach more securely to the arbor so that it might stay connected as I attempt the reassembly. Not sure if this is possible or not but I do think I will have to do something as it doesn't appear that the spring will stay attached otherwise. If anyone else has suggestions on an easier way to reassemble a three spring- two arbor motor I would be happy to hear them. Again thanks for the response.

when I have to hook springs, I rotate the arbor until it lines with the slot then I try to wiggle the spring with a small, flat screwdriver. it takes several tries and sometimes a fair amount of swearing but it eventually works.
just be patient, take your time and try when you're not tired.