The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Are the aftermarket Standard crane hangers slightly larger in diameter than the original hangers? Im looking at 2 crane feet that look identical. One is original and the other is aftermarket. The aftermarket shoe measures .507' where the crane shaft goes in and the original shoe measures .475". Same with the bracket at goes between the case top and base. So, I have collected a set of original hardware except for the 2-piece rods, to use on another machine. I was hoping to use an aftermarket rod set that I have but, unless I drill out the shoe and top bracket, its not going to work. Were there 2 different diameter original rods or are all aftermarket rods larger? Thanks

I wouldn't drill out the original crane foot and top, since those are harder to find than the crane rods... An original crane foot has a pin through it which corresponds with the slotted bottom of an original crane rod.

Curt A wrote:I wouldn't drill out the original crane foot and top, since those are harder to find than the crane rods... An original crane foot has a pin through it which corresponds with the slotted bottom of an original crane rod.

My aftermarket shoe also has the same pin as the original.

All of the repro shoes that I have seen do not have the pin... I don't know if repros were made with the pin, but someone may be able to verify that...

If anyone has an original 2-piece crane for a Standard type horn, I would appreciate it if you could measure the thicker piece that fits into the shoe with a mic or caliper. Thanks

hearsedriver wrote:If anyone has an original 2-piece crane for a Standard type horn, I would appreciate it if you could measure the thicker piece that fits into the shoe with a mic or caliper. Thanks

My lower crane rod measures .470
I hope that helps.
Maybe someone was trying to use the more common half inch rod to make a crane. I bought some 15/3"2 rod to make some cranes.
Dave

hearsedriver wrote:

Curt A wrote:I wouldn't drill out the original crane foot and top, since those are harder to find than the crane rods... An original crane foot has a pin through it which corresponds with the slotted bottom of an original crane rod.

My aftermarket shoe also has the same pin as the original.

I have found just the opposite to be true. I have found many feet and upper guides in the cases of machines I have repaired. The rods were always missing.
Dave

Thanks Dave!