The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello all,

As you may know from another running thread, I recently got a Vic II that had a Vic III/IV back bracket on it. I want to use that bracket on my Vic III, as the paint and decal are in better shape that the one now on the Vic III. However, darned if I can get the tone arm out of back bracket on the "new" one. It is not rusted and the pin seems to be original. I can push the pin down normally against the spring, but it will not go nearly far enough to release the tone arm. The part of the tone arm going into the bracket is not oversize or anything of the sort. I guess I may being doing something wrong, but darned if I can figure out what.

Clay

I've also had difficulty freeing a tone arm from a back bracket. It always feels like you don't have enough hands. I try to push the pin down with needle nose pliers. The tone arm will come down with the pin. When the arm comes down it will tilt a bit and there is room to slip a thin bladed screwdriver between the pin and the tone arm. Now you can push the pin even farther down into the tone arm and it allows enough room to remove the tone arm. You've got to be really careful that the screwdriver doesn't slip off the pin an scratch the back bracket. It helps to have a second person to assist. Also, start by applying some penetrating oil to the side of the pin. It will work its way down the side of the pin and onto the spring and sides of the hole in the bracket.

If someone has a better method, I'd love to hear it because it is always a wrestling match.

Jerry Blais

Thanks Jerry. I will give it a try.

Clay

Got it, but oh what a fiddly pain!

Clay

Got it, but oh what a fiddly pain!

Clay

My sentiments exactly! Anyone have a better method? Jerry