The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I am repairing one of these for a fellow and he wants the turntable covering replaced. What is on there looks to be a material similar to the leatherette covering on the case. Is that normal? Is there a way to clean and flatten it to reuse it if it is original? It's not damaged and is just curling up at the edge. I was expecting this to be felt like most have.
Thanks!
Dave D

Dave D wrote:... What is on there looks to be a material similar to the leatherette covering on the case. Is that normal? Is there a way to clean and flatten it to reuse it if it is original? It's not damaged and is just curling up at the edge. I was expecting this to be felt like most have.
Thanks!
Dave D

Hi Dave:

Yes, that definitely sounds like the original turntable pad. The VV-2-55's turntable was fitted with a leatherette turntable pad, not felt. (Some of the later-production cabinet model Orthophonic Victrolas also were also fitted with leatherette turntable pads, such as the VV-8-35.)

Here are a few images culled from the internet:
I've used contact cement to secure the pad.

OrthoFan

You could clean it with a little bit of GOOP hand cleaner and water.

The corners of the leatherette cover in the VV 2 55 usually shrink and tend to curl outwards. The only thing I did with mine was to glue back the curled ends, leaving the gap visible. I think trying to disguise the gap with paint or a patch would look bad.

Thanks for confirming that it is original. I will try to clean it as suggested and reglue it.
Dave D