Rare Rek_O-Kut B-16H with cab Resto

[Bonzoro]

I finally got started on the Rek-O-Kut B-16H resto. Very interesting tank-like unit for sure. The cabinet will have to wait for warmer weather but I have made good progress on the TT itself.

Here it is peeking out of it's resting place where it has been for decades.

 

[Bonzoro]

I have been scrubbing/cleaning/lubing parts for what seems like months. But here is some shots of the guts. This will be going up for sale soon. I don't have the room for it. As you can imagine, a 16" Studio Transcription TT can take up some space.

I got the motor disassembled/cleaned/inspected/lubed. Cleaned up the platter and should have the mat in hand in a day or two. Had to order the 16" cork mat from the UK.

 

[Bonzoro]

I found a gent who will be making the new Idler tires. Just need to get them in the mail to him for duplication. The old ones may be fine but I'll have new ones made anyway just in case.

 

[Bonzoro]

The last post had the before, here is the after. Nevermind the beat up 16" 78 record under the 12" rubber mat. It will look better when the new mat comes.

 

[Bonzoro]

Here is the Pickering 190D tone arm going through resto. It is going to get a little bit of color on it. The industrial look is OK if you like it but I decided on something else. If the new owner doesn't care for the color, it can be altered. This will get a fresh coat from the air brush in the next few days and then I can rewire it and get it complete. I have some carts/stylus for it but may opt for something else.

The first pic is before, second during.

I would have left it stock but it had a few chips in the paint.

 

[Bonzoro]

Got the cork/rubber mat installed, did some power tests. Got my arm primed. I have it temporarily assembled but will pull the arm back off to paint it soon. It's coming along fine.

 

[Bonzoro]

I just ordered the 3 rubber motor mounts and waiting on the guy with the Idler wheel building capability to get back to me. Looking for a tone arm wiring kit too, not sure which one to get but looking. I have a cartridge for it.

 

[Jcris]

Looks really good, albeit very labor intensive. I hope it plays well when completed.
With all that work, what’s it worth?
Just curious.

 

[Bonzoro]

I got the fingers crossed, Thanks

 

[wiseoldtech]

Shame it didn't come equipped with the Rek-O-Cut 16" arm.
That old Pickering arm is nasty, I did a restoration years ago on a system with that arm.

I used to have an old Rek-O-Cut Rhondine B12 model back in 1976 that I used for DJ duty.

 

[Bonzoro]

What was wrong with the Pickering? That's the first I've heard of the 190D being "Nasty".

 

[Bonzoro]

Shame it didn't come equipped with the Rek-O-Cut 16" arm.
That old Pickering arm is nasty, I did a restoration years ago on a system with that arm.

I used to have an old Rek-O-Cut Rhondine B12 model back in 1976 that I used for DJ duty.

Luckily the B-16H has enough room for a couple more arms. What didn't you like about the 190D?

 

[wiseoldtech]

@Bonzoro

That tonearm is clumsy to use, resonates, and UGLY as sin.
It's crude.

 

[Bonzoro]

Clumsy and ugly I can deal with, if it resonates, I'll put a different tonearm on the TT. Maybe there were bad bearings or something with yours since you were the only person with complaints. But thanks anyway.

 

[wiseoldtech]

I wasn't really complaining.
That system was a phono-amp-speaker system brought into my shop by a customer for me to restore for them.

 

[Bonzoro]

Clumsy, ugly (as sin), nasty etc... sounds like complaints to me.

 

[wiseoldtech]

Ah.... again, not complaining.... but to clarify.... it's MY opinion.
Fix up that old beast already!

 

[Bonzoro]

I haven't seen anything that fits into the early 50's that AINT ugly (especially in prime condition). Trying to keep it period correct but if I need to replace the arm, it's going modern.

 

[Bonzoro]

I just ordered the idler wheels (they'll rebuild mine) and I used Gary at https://www.thevoiceofmusic.com/ as he has helped me with a few jobs on my Reel to Reel machines. He has great prices and turn around times so it was a no brainer. This will be the last items I need as the rubber motor mounts will be here in a couple days. The weather is turning so I should be able to get the cabinet sanded and painted soon.

 

[MisterDK]

Wanted to let you know, there’s a gentleman named Abe who makes new, custom idler wheels out of Delrin which use a square section O-ring and new Olite bushing. They go for around the same price as a re-vulcanized rebuilt one but his Delrin wheels run a bit quieter. If you’re interested, PM me for his contact info - he makes a really nice idler.

Here’s one he made for my Russco Studio Pro table below.. BTW - it’s on an unfinished wooden idler arm I made just to test the arm material.