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This is another of my dad’s phonographs, a Victor VV XVI. The case is in excellent shape except for the lid veneer which has heat or water damage.
So my first question is what is the best way a beginner to repair this, assuming it is repairable?
Second question concerns the wooden insert which holds the spring mechanism, which appears to be missing a small segment of wood board (see gap in photos). Is this normal?
Third question is can the reproducer be salvaged from prior glue “repairs”? And is it the correct arm and reproducer assembly for this model?
Thanks

Yes, it's restorable. You may need to get new veneer from a wood supply shop, or from a salvage Victrola.

I think the reason for the gap on the motorboard is that it is not original to the machine. It appears to be from a later machine and cut to "sort of" fit. Does the crank go through the original hole on the side of the cabinet, or has another hole been drilled?

You should be able to remove the glue with the proper solvent ot heat. You may need to experiment.

My Victor Data Book is packed away, so I'm not sure about correctness of tonearm for this model. It looks like a fat tone arm which often has a #2 soundbox. Can you show a picture of the data plate which will help pinpoint model info?

A picture of the motor will also help. VV XVIs had either 3 spring motors (early) or 4 spring (late).

AZ* wrote:Yes, it's restorable. You may need to get new veneer from a wood supply shop, or from a salvage Victrola.

I think the reason for the gap on the motorboard is that it is not original to the machine. It appears to be from a later machine and cut to "sort of" fit. Does the crank go through the original hole on the side of the cabinet, or has another hole been drilled?

You should be able to remove the glue with the proper solvent ot heat. You may need to experiment.

My Victor Data Book is packed away, so I'm not sure about correctness of tonearm for this model. It looks like a fat tone arm which often has a #2 soundbox. Can you show a picture of the data plate which will help pinpoint model info?

Thanks!

The arm looks correct for a later model - I would have expected a number 2 reproducer on a later machine rather than the exhibition, but others may know for sure if the the exhibitions made it onto the later machines. The reproducers are easily interchangeable. Either way this one will need a full rebuild

I agree with the above posts. The reproducer is incorrect although the Exhibition is a desirable reproducer. The motor board is incorrect. The veneer on top is critical to a nice machine and color matching is difficult. Unless you have decent wood working skills it is not a job for a novice in my opinion.

What are your future plan for this machine? If you are going to make repairs and then sell, it may not be worth the effort so sell it "as is." But if you enjoy the "effort" and would like to honor your dad, by all means go for it. I say this with the best intentions. I just want you to start the project with eyes wide open.

Respectfully, Jerry Blais

Has anyone else noticed the non-Victor crank? Something tells me this machine has the wrong motor in it. A photo of the motor would certainly clear that up quickly.

Sean

OrthoSean wrote:Has anyone else noticed the non-Victor crank? Something tells me this machine has the wrong motor in it. A photo of the motor would certainly clear that up quickly.

Yes, I noticed the crank after my previous post, but as I had asked about an extra hole in the cabinet and suggested a photo of the motor -- like you did -- I believe the next steps are up to the OP.

I think this is a cobble. Look at the non-Victor needle cups, for example. I agree with Jerry that any money spent to make this machine right would not be recouped if/when the machine is sold. The repairs would be justified if the machine has sentimental value and will be kept. Otherwise I suggest selling as is or for parts.

OrthoSean wrote:Has anyone else noticed the non-Victor crank? Something tells me this machine has the wrong motor in it. A photo of the motor would certainly clear that up quickly.

Sean

There looks to be a crank in the 2nd picture. It’s just not installed.

There looks to be a crank in the 2nd picture. It’s just not installed.

But it's not a Victor crank. Jerry

There is a significant portion of out Forum population that take on and enjoys projects like this VV-XVI. There is no logical reason to take on some projects except personal satisfaction. The simple unexplainable reason is that it boils down to being a labor of love. I really admire people that take on such projects.

Jerry Blais