Victrola Automatic Brake c-clip retainer problem

Discussions on Talking Machines & Accessories
Post Reply
User avatar
barnettrp21122
Victor IV
Posts: 1611
Joined: Thu Jan 08, 2009 4:19 pm
Personal Text: "Did you ever stop to think that pleasure is a duty?" (Victor sales pamphlet)

Victrola Automatic Brake c-clip retainer problem

Post by barnettrp21122 »

Hello!
I have a small problem with the c-clip that holds the Victrola automatic brake components together. I use the brake stop adjustment all the time, and the clip slowly "creeps" off the post due to the back-and-forth movement of the adjustment lever.
Here's picture of the problem:
c-clip automatic brake.jpg
I've tried putting the fiber washer topside against it, but the clip still works its way out. Anyone else experience this? Thanks for any input!
Bob
"Comparison is the thief of joy" Theodore Roosevelt

His Master's Voice Automatic 1A Exponential Gramophone Demonstration:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qi70G1Rzqpo

ambrola
Victor IV
Posts: 1502
Joined: Sat Dec 29, 2012 11:20 am
Personal Text: Be Careful What You Say, You Can't T ake It Back!
Contact:

Re: Victrola Automatic Brake c-clip retainer problem

Post by ambrola »

Could you simply put a smaller washer on it?

gramophone78
Victor VI
Posts: 3946
Joined: Mon Nov 16, 2009 9:42 am
Location: Western Canada

Re: Victrola Automatic Brake c-clip retainer problem

Post by gramophone78 »

barnettrp21122 wrote:Hello!
I have a small problem with the c-clip that holds the Victrola automatic brake components together. I use the brake stop adjustment all the time, and the clip slowly "creeps" off the post due to the back-and-forth movement of the adjustment lever.
I've tried putting the fiber washer topside against it, but the clip still works its way out. Anyone else experience this? Thanks for any input!
Bob
The C clip should be slightly convex and the surface's dry (no oil).Being convex is to apply pressure to keep it on and the edge of the clip to kind of grab the surface. Maybe you have it upside down or you have lost the proper shape by taking it apart....???. There is really nothing too complicated with the device.

I'm just confused why you need to move it so much.
I either play 10" or 12" and you set it accordingly and forget it. You may need to move "occasionally" a very small amount.

Maybe you should not have taken it apart.... :?. I know I have never done that.

Try installing the C clip in this position you see below.
Auto Brake.JPG

User avatar
De Soto Frank
Victor V
Posts: 2687
Joined: Wed Dec 01, 2010 1:27 pm
Location: Northeast Pennsylvania

Re: Victrola Automatic Brake c-clip retainer problem

Post by De Soto Frank »

I have to adjust the one on my 1918 Victrola XI fairly frequently, it depends and the brand and era of the record. Also the length of the selection; some Victor records have a rather large run-out area at the center, and w/o the spiral groove, the needle will just sit there at the edge of the dead wax, until the machine winds-down.

That said, I have not had issues with the "c-clip "walking-out" or position.

:|
De Soto Frank

Phono48
Victor IV
Posts: 1325
Joined: Sun May 27, 2012 2:38 pm
Location: United Kingdom

Re: Victrola Automatic Brake c-clip retainer problem

Post by Phono48 »

Are you sure all the washers are present? that clip should be a really tight fit. Going upwards from the base plate, the order of parts is: Central pillar with integral washer - red fibre washer - main autobrake fork - red fibre washer - top plate (connected to handbrake with a spring), then the "c" clip, in the position shown in your picture. If the clip is that loose, I'm surprised the autobrake works at all! Try gently bending it into a more pronounced curve, until it fits tightly. Looking at it again though, it would seem that the clip is not the original, which had a distinct, raised "flat" across it's diameter. I'll dig a brake out, and add a picture in a minute or so.

Barry
Last edited by Phono48 on Tue Dec 23, 2014 2:25 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Phono48
Victor IV
Posts: 1325
Joined: Sun May 27, 2012 2:38 pm
Location: United Kingdom

Re: Victrola Automatic Brake c-clip retainer problem

Post by Phono48 »

Here you go:

User avatar
barnettrp21122
Victor IV
Posts: 1611
Joined: Thu Jan 08, 2009 4:19 pm
Personal Text: "Did you ever stop to think that pleasure is a duty?" (Victor sales pamphlet)

Re: Victrola Automatic Brake c-clip retainer problem

Post by barnettrp21122 »

Thanks, everyone, for your quick replies, pictures and suggestions!
Everything checks out as far as the assembly order of the components. Changing the c-clip position made no difference. The clip is really tight, but instead of attempting to change the tension, I tried a bit of Permatex "Threadlocker Green" just around portions of the edge of the c-clip. It was a VERY small amount, applied with a barely-moistened toothpick tip. I didn't want to get any on the central pillar and other pieces!
It seems to work. Time will tell how it holds up.
Permatex Threadlocker Green.jpg
I've used this product before, and it's really handy. You can set your screws and then flow a bit of this on. It's thin enough to penetrate the area, but isn't difficult to break the seal later if necessary. It's available at auto parts stores.
Thanks again for the feedback!
Bob
"Comparison is the thief of joy" Theodore Roosevelt

His Master's Voice Automatic 1A Exponential Gramophone Demonstration:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qi70G1Rzqpo

Post Reply