Need Info on B&N Automobile Record Changer

[ralphstock67]

I have aquired what I think is a 50's B&N Automobile Record Changer Model 809T that is not in working order but pretty decent shape. I have looked all over the internet for info with no luck. I figured I would turn to AK for help. Any info would be great & anyone know of it's value. Thanks friends.

 

[gadget73]

I don't have any info, but I would love to see some pics of this thing. I've seen one of the old Chrysler record players in action in person once, and while it sounded fairly poor it was incredibly cool. I had no idea anyone made a changer for the automobile.

 

[ralphstock67]

I will post some pics. Pretty cool piece. I was told by the owner it was mounted under the dash of the car. Seeing how big the cars were in the 50's I could see it possible. Nowadays,no way. Pretty rare for sure seeing I could not find any info @ all about it or the company.Thanks for the interest gadget & hope someone comes along with some info. Will sale for sure for the right price. Pics tomorrow.

 

[jdurbin1]

There's one on eBay, item 360339270478. Decent pics of it too. Value isn't appropriate here, but can't think it's worth what this one is listed for.

Pretty interesting design though...

John

 

[ralphstock67]

Thanks John

Thanks John,checked the listing out. It is actually like the one I have & is in similar shape. Just gonna throw the pics of it up for the :scratch2: curious. Nice little price also. In my many years never has come across anything like it. Gotta love it. :yes:

 

[carcrazy]

Nice! That would look great in my '53 New Yorker.:thmbsp:

 

[gadget73]

That looks considerably newer than 1950s to me. Looks almost more late 60s or early 70s. I'm thinking limo since its basically a home-style record changer. I'd expect anything intended for auto use would have a heavy spring-loaded arm to clamp the needle down to the record so it doesn't skip like crazy.

 

[68custom]

AFAIK the ones that Chrysler used in the fifties played at 16.5 rpm and you had to buy your records at the dealer ship. so is your's set up to play at 16.5 rpm?

 

[KentTeffeteller]

1966-1969 ish. Changer styling looks VM made. Interesting.

 

[Dan ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ]

That changer is early 70's Voice of Music from Benton Harbor, Michigan.

 

[jaguar06]

Good thing they came up with 8-Track tape! :yes:

(I was going to use a picture of that Chrysler car turntable for my avatar here, since it evoked "useless", but it didn't shrink down to size very well.)

 

[carcrazy]

Gee, I didn't realize they made auto record players in the 60's and 70's. I always thought it was a brief 50's thing. They must have been hard on the records every time you went over train tracks.

 

[12ax7]

I could see that as a built-in accessory for an RV or even a semi cab, thus the wood front. Passenger car? Doubtful, and I'm old enough to remember how spacious the interiors were.

 

[bhutchin]

I just got one in the shop to repair.
After freeing up the turntable mechanism, I found that the pickup cartridge is bad. It is a Sonotone, but I am (so far) unable to find a way to remove the cartridge from the tonearm assembly. It appears to be almost glued in-place. Has anyone ever replaced this cartridge and/or know what the model # is? It appears to be one of the Sonotone 25T to 29T series, but not certain.
I actually worked at B&N in Downey back in the late '60s as a car audio installer and installed a couple of these, along with 4 track players, vibrasonic units and "light bars".