The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Just rebuilt a small Victrola motor for a VV-50 portable phonograph but the drive gear on the spring barrel is badly worn and needs to be replaced with a better one. Anybody got a spare? Doesn't have to be clean or empty. I already have a new spring to install.

Thanks1 Cliff

Why don't you remove the rivets on the gear and turn it over. You can put in new rivets and you will have a "new" gear.

Ken Danckaert

I must say that close up of the gears is downright artistic!

Ken..How would one remove rivets...same tool that installs them?
I notice a lot of worn suitcase models have corner pieces riveted or the latches, always wondered how to pop em out.

kendphono wrote:Why don't you remove the rivets on the gear and turn it over. You can put in new rivets and you will have a "new" gear.

Ken Danckaert

I don't have the equipment for that. If it was only a millimeter off center, it would be ruined. Since it's not my motor, I couldn't risk that.

'Twould be a good thing to be able to do, though...

Cliff

There are a number of ways to remove it. The easiest for most people is to use a Dremel with a diamond bit. The bit should be one of the larger cylinder bits. With care, grind around the peened side of the rivet to remove the portion that has been bent over. Once the excess has been ground away and what is left is mainly the center shaft of the rivet, you can take a nail set and punch the rivet out of the hole. Make sure the other side of the rivet (head side) is supported but that the head is free to move down. Supporting it on a large nut works well. The rivet can fall into the center of the nut. Take the rivet to the store and get an identical replacement. There are also plenty available online.

Ken