The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

In preparing for the introduction of the new Victor Automatic pot metal replacement parts and creating an instruction guide I had the opportunity to put together some photos that explain how to adjust the magazine stand and how the record transfer operation works. It is always amazing that the machine can pick up only the bottom record from a stack of twelve hanging to the left of the turntable.

Maybe some of these tips will help with adjusting your 10-50, 10-70 or 9-55. A word of caution, the adjustments only work if the parts are not swollen and out of spec. Most magazine bases, the black part that holds the gold upright stand, are deformed or broken. The top of the base that has the hook is often sunken down which causes the magazine arm to stand too vertical. In this condition the record lift ring cannot reach far enough to the left to retrieve a record. A new base will easily fix this condition.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Mark
Start by placing a 10” record on the turntable. Note that the Lift Pad is in the reject position, raised.
The sound box is not needed for this adjustment and can be turned back. Readjust the screw on the magazine spindle slightly as needed so the record can mount the button securely.
Check that the record is removed from the spindle cleanly. The design does not allow much room for error so it might take a few trials to get it right. Retest with other records, retest with a full load of records. Rejecting the record into the drawer!

Really, really nice Mark. Thank you!

And keep ‘em coming!

Amazing work Mark...hours spent researching for parts development, Money spent to resurrect machines that have not worked in decades, worrying over every little detail to make sure that produced parts will fit ALL the machines out there. Making sure that fabric for all parts that need to be recovered matches and then you produce pictures and information to help us set up a machine.

But you are missing one thing- a box big enough to contain a mini-you that comes with the parts to set up the machine and make sure that all is good to go. To much to ask you say, well its just a thought....

Thanks for taking on a task that some of us started and failed and I know that it took you years to get it done.
Abe

Art and Peter,

Thanks for the kind words, this has really been a 30 year labor of love.

If you are in Schaumburg we’ll be showing the new changer parts there.
Stop by and say hello to Bronson, he is the other half of the “Sound Investments” team and the computer modeling expert. He deserves equal credit for giving birth to the replacement parts.

The pot metal replacement parts came out beautifully and the collectors who have been patiently waiting have given us very positive feedback. Everyone seems very pleased. Several of the changer parts were made with a manufacturing technique called “selective laser sintering” which effectively makes solid aluminum parts from finely ground aluminum. The finished parts are solid aluminum and you could never tell they were ever anything else! This new method is the only way they are remotely affordable now, it also produces a high grade part with a fine surface finish and great dimensional accuracy.. Over the last 30 years working on this project all the other methods either produced very crude parts or the parts were very expensive. The last quotes, about 8 years ago, to mill parts via traditional machining made the replacement sets so expensive that no one would want them. Close to $3000 for the set. As much as I wanted parts to restore my own machines I realized it was a non-starter. The new method really came to the rescue and allowed some extra room for the final finishing and powder coat painting. The goal was to make parts that are ready to install and I think we have succeeded.

Most of the first 25 sets have been claimed so we are planning a second group and are offering a SHOW DISCOUNT through July 15. Check in at the table for a changer demonstration and a sale flyer.

Hope to see you at the show!

Mark and Bronson

All,

Bringing this thread back into the foreground in case there are some new 10-50 owners. So far we have sent out about 40 Victor First Style Potmetal Elimination Kits to collectors in the US and Canada and the feedback has been very gratifying. More 10-50’s seem to be showing up, about one more every month or two.
A few unclaimed parts sets remain if you have a machine waiting for restoration. The replacement parts come with full documentation and unlimited email support to get your machine working like new again.

We are always happy to answer any questions or concerns about restoring or adjusting your 10-50, 10-51, 10-70 or 9-55.
Send you questions to [email protected]

Mark

Here are some of the comments we have received.

I love my new parts! The machine works great! To say I’m pleased is an understatement!
Washington

I'm so impressed with the parts quality and your detailed instructions. Finally, for the first time in 40+ years I can switch between 10 & 12 inch records and have the needle fall in the right spot! Just wanted to let you know you have another successful installation under your belt!
Alabama

The new index assembly setup is slick, it works super easy like butter.  Victor should have gone with this much simpler link method like this in the first place instead of all those gears!
California

The 10-50 turntable is perfect-o , thanks for your great effort!  
California

Your lift pad works great!  As you said, the choice of spring is not really critical with the new pad. The heavy bronze lift pad I had been using required a very strong spring in order to work at all and this put extra strain on the whole mechanism, causing other problems.
Pennsylvania

Some Electrola 10-70 news. I installed the new magazine base. It was total plug and play — everything fit perfectly and it works great.
New Jersey