Platter removal from VV-IV

[jboger]

To be clear, this post concerns the common, internal horn machine that Victor sold for about $15 back in the day, not the Victor IV with the external horn.

To take something apart it generally helps to know how it's put together BEFORE one disassembles. Over the years, I've worked on several VV-IVs, never had a problem to take the platter off. Now I have a late model one with a late motor. I've never worked on one of these before. I tried the usual methods, but so far the platter won't budge. Could be rust. But I wonder if the platter is attached in some way I don't understand and something other than pulling it off must be done. If you look at the picture there are four screws(?) around the hole the spindle comes through. I don't think these have anything to do with removing the platter, but not sure.

If it's a matter of pulling the platter off like every other Victor I worked on, then I will continue to work it until it comes off. If not, would be most obliged if someone could tell me what's to be done with this one.

John

[JerryVan]

It lifts off, same as any other Victor, except this one is rusted in place. Loosen the setscrew on the governor drive gear, underneath, and slip the whole spindle shaft out of the motor. It will be easier to work on removing the turntable if it's not still attached to the motor.

[jboger]

That sounds like a really good idea. I'll give it a try tomorrow.

[outune]

Hi John- As Jerry posted, pulling the spindle shaft out of the motor along with the turntable will allow you to work on it-- Place the spindle hub on top of the jaws of a vise with the spindle downward between the jaws-- Then you can tap the spindle out with a brass hammer or hammer and wooden block.
Those four "screws" you mentioned are the rivets that attach the hub to the steel turntable.
Hope all is well with you-- Glad to hear you're still working on machines

Brad Abell

[jboger]

Hi Jerry:

Fortunately the set screw and governor drive came undone easily and I was able to pull the spindle off along with the attached platter. It took some oil and a bit of tapping around the spindle shaft, also a few whacks with a hammer, but eventually the spindle started to budge. I used my vise to support the work.

Here are before and after photos. One difference to note from earlier VV-IVs that I've worked on, for this late VV-IV, the spindle cross pin is below the top of the platter, as you can see in the picture. Most, if not all of the Victors I've worked on have that cross pin above the platter.

John

[jboger]

Hi Brad:

Yep, still here. In the past couple of months I've picked up some wrecks and lots of parts, including two VV-IVs, a Columbia Eagle sans reproducer, and a Harmony with the large spindle. Also several parts machines, mostly VV-VIs, one in mahogany and the other an early one with the slats in the front. As luck would have it, I picked up a Columbia reproducer in a box of reproducers, cranks, and tonearms--much of it junk. When I sorted through the box at the auction, I missed the reproducer (I was focussed on the two Exhibitions and Victor horn elbow). Anyway, the Eagle is now complete. Most of this work has been a labor of love. And luck. The Harmony was missing the brake and speed control, but I had a spare one from an old Columbia machine. So labor, luck, and let's not forget all the help from Forum members when I run into something I'm not familiar with

John

[JerryVan]

Another success! Thanks for the update.