who offers full/complete restoration services?

[brianu]

I have a rare orthophonic schoolhouse machine, a victor 8-8, like an 8-9 but on wheels. I purchased the gutted cabinet first, then found the proper horn, then located most of the necessary hardware. I've got to get (1) a motor board created, (2) a grill created, and (3) everything correctly assembled (including motor rebuild, cabinet clean-up, etc.).

so, it's a project, but not really a massive one. I just don't have the time to do this any longer, and I'm trying to avoid selling everything as-is. can anyone recommend a decent person who could possibly take this on? I've tried a couple of places already, but I'm not having much luck.

any help would really be greatly appreciated. thanks.

[brianu]

can anyone suggest any dealers/restorers at all on the east coast, mainly the northeast?

[OrthoSean]

Brian,

I was thinking a little about this last night, have you contacted George Vollema about a motorboard at least? One from an 8-9 should work and if anyone would have one, he would. I'll post some pictures of the 8-8 I missed several years ago at an auction, maybe these will be a little helpful.

[brianu]

sean,

I had no idea you had those photos... they're going to be a huge help, esp. for the grill. thanks. and I still have the tracing you made from the motor board of your 8-9, but if I can pick up an original, I'd much prefer it. I'll send george an email.

so far as the whole restoration though, I tried gettysburg, which apparently is all tied up for a while with other projects. I also tried emailing wyatt, but haven't heard back. you wouldn't be interested in this project if we could work something out, would you?

[OrthoSean]

Hah, I'd TOTALLY forgot I had these photos in my computer at work. I have NO phono pics at home at all...lost everything practically when I "backed up" my last two PCs. Oh well. I thought the grill shot would help also, looks just like an 8-9 grill only without the paint and bit of decoration.

I can't tackle a project like that now. I have way too much of my own stuff that needs completing before winter. I'd love to if I had the time, but alas...I really need to get my own stuff on the ball this year.

[DrGregC]

If you are looking for the very best in complete restoration services in the Philadelphia area, the choice is easy. Bob Snyder has been doing this type of of work since 1970. His business "Antique Mechanical Musical Restorations" is in his home in Sellersville, PA. Bob has done fantastic mechanical & woodworking restorations for me. Some of the pieces in his own extensive collection were little more than scrap before he beautifully restored them. Bob is a machinist by trade. You will not find a more skilled or passionate individual in this hobby.

You can reach Bob at 215-453-9365 or [email protected]

[brianu]

great, that's exactly what I was looking for... and he's not even too far. I really appreciate it. I'll send him an email today.

brian