I really like the 1219/1229 series Dual's. Have three. Two now nicely working 1219s and a 1229. Have a second 1229 that arrived from a very damp environment. Came without a base. Your 1229 is a keeper. You mechanically inclined? Find the sight here on AK about refurbing Dual's. A great help, even for an old warhorse like me. Also, go to Vinylenegine, sign up and get the service manual for a 1229.
My current project, the above 1229 is kind of ratty looks wise. It's has some rust on its black areas. Never saw this before. Had no automatic function. I did what I do with all Dual's. Start by removing 40 years of old dried grease. It dries out. There is a big gold gear underneath. Take cotton swabs and get rid of the old grease. I like using Lubriplate . Take a cotton swab and lightly dab lite grease into the gear. On my latest 1229, I ran it and had no auto return. Replaced the stuerpimple. It's the piece that runs the automatic cycle. There is a section on how to do that here. Usually at this point I will remove the motor, clean and oil it. On this 1229 I ran it. Worked like a charm. The arm dropped on the record and returned as it should. Sadly, one channel was out. The moisture rotted the wire on the right channel. It sat. If you remove the headshell on the arm you will see contact where the headshell makes contact. Found one on eBay with new wires. Hope your wires are good. Cleaning out old grease and motors are common on Dual's. Not a big deal. Arm wires a pain. Got the channels back! Usually, doing the above will get you going. Replace the audio cables. Even new ones can break. My 1219 did after a year and a half. Your 1229 is a keeper, good luck!
Eric
