I'm curious if anyone has ever restored or worked on an RCA Victrola 45 like this model 45-EY-3. I bought it over a decade ago with the intention of restoring it, but life got in the way. Once I am done with my stalled Martin Logan restoration project (busy with work this month), this is next, likely a summer project.
I have a source for the common failed parts--The V-M Enthusiast (Northville MI) has the rubber parts needed to redo the record changer, plus a cartridge that will replace the crystal unit that it originally came with.
I have to find a readable schematic to figure out which capacitor values to buy. The radiomuseum.org site has some schematics there, but one has to be careful as this model had four different chassis designations; mine is the RS-136E. The changer is a common RP-190.
I wanted to replace the speaker with a modern 4x6 car speaker which sounds better, but it is not possible now that I've examined the innards. The amp chassis has a "V" cut in it to closely follow the shape of the woofer. I might install a clandestine speaker jack though, just for kicks.
(Easily hidden within one of the vents.)
I have heard I can buff out the Bakelite enclosure with automotive polishing compound and wax. The only issue with the case is that there is a crack on the rear of it. I need to find an appropriate glue to repair the crack, plus I want to reinforce it inside by gluing a piece of something over it to help hold it together. It is a clean crack, barely visible unless you know to look for it.
I'll have pics shortly. Interesting little project, and I know my daughter will get a kick out of it.
I have a source for the common failed parts--The V-M Enthusiast (Northville MI) has the rubber parts needed to redo the record changer, plus a cartridge that will replace the crystal unit that it originally came with.
I have to find a readable schematic to figure out which capacitor values to buy. The radiomuseum.org site has some schematics there, but one has to be careful as this model had four different chassis designations; mine is the RS-136E. The changer is a common RP-190.
I wanted to replace the speaker with a modern 4x6 car speaker which sounds better, but it is not possible now that I've examined the innards. The amp chassis has a "V" cut in it to closely follow the shape of the woofer. I might install a clandestine speaker jack though, just for kicks.
(Easily hidden within one of the vents.)I have heard I can buff out the Bakelite enclosure with automotive polishing compound and wax. The only issue with the case is that there is a crack on the rear of it. I need to find an appropriate glue to repair the crack, plus I want to reinforce it inside by gluing a piece of something over it to help hold it together. It is a clean crack, barely visible unless you know to look for it.
I'll have pics shortly. Interesting little project, and I know my daughter will get a kick out of it.
