Thorens td 124 clean up and lubrication
I'm about to undertake a restoration of a Thorens td 124, and had some questions:
1) how to best clean painted chassis. I've used warm, soapy water, which got rid of most of the gunk, but some still remains. Made the unfortunate mistake of using laquer thinner, which removed some paint. Luckily, the test spot was under the platter, and won't show. Any ideas for getting it clean enough to apply wax? Ran out of SimpleGreen, but I think I'll get some more and give it a try. Also, how to clean the unpainted bottom of the chassis? I know it won't be seen, but since I probably won't do another complete teardown for years, want to make it shiny and new.
2) Cleaning motor cover plates. I've seen pictures of others restorations, and the before and after pictures were remarkable. I don't know if they were replated, dipped in carburetor parts cleaner, or what, but they looked like they just rolled off the assembly line. And how to clean the rotor--Kerosene, parts cleaner, naptha?
3) Cleaning and polishing stepped pulley, motor wheels, spindles, etc.? Will metal polish, such as Maas, be sufficient?
4) Cleaning and lubing linkages. Was again thinking of metal polish, and once they're clean, using Superlube with teflon, and 20 SAE motor oil for all bushings.
5) Polishing main bearing. Even though this turntable is from about 1959, I honestly don't think it had ever seen any use. The main bearing looks perfect, not a mark on it. Checked it with a dial caliper, and can't find any wear. I mean not even .0001 of an inch. Think I'll polish it anyway, just for ***** and giggles. Bushings also look perfect, but I bought some replacements anyway.
I got this TT on craigslist a few years back. The owner was asking $1200 for a complete deck, with an Empire tonearm (minus cartridge). Thought I'd take a chance and gave him a lowball offer. He at first declined, but then called back and said he'd accept the offer of $700.
I've seen complete beaters with frozen motors and missing parts sell for twice that. Low serial number model, in nearly pristine condition--very happy he accepted!! When I went to pick it up, I discovered that this guy was uber rich, and had a 5 car garage filled with cars, motorcycles, and hundreds of pieces of stereo equipment. He was moving, and couldn't take all of his stuff with him, and just wanted the turntable to go to someone who would appreciate it. Score!
I'm about to undertake a restoration of a Thorens td 124, and had some questions:
1) how to best clean painted chassis. I've used warm, soapy water, which got rid of most of the gunk, but some still remains. Made the unfortunate mistake of using laquer thinner, which removed some paint. Luckily, the test spot was under the platter, and won't show. Any ideas for getting it clean enough to apply wax? Ran out of SimpleGreen, but I think I'll get some more and give it a try. Also, how to clean the unpainted bottom of the chassis? I know it won't be seen, but since I probably won't do another complete teardown for years, want to make it shiny and new.
2) Cleaning motor cover plates. I've seen pictures of others restorations, and the before and after pictures were remarkable. I don't know if they were replated, dipped in carburetor parts cleaner, or what, but they looked like they just rolled off the assembly line. And how to clean the rotor--Kerosene, parts cleaner, naptha?
3) Cleaning and polishing stepped pulley, motor wheels, spindles, etc.? Will metal polish, such as Maas, be sufficient?
4) Cleaning and lubing linkages. Was again thinking of metal polish, and once they're clean, using Superlube with teflon, and 20 SAE motor oil for all bushings.
5) Polishing main bearing. Even though this turntable is from about 1959, I honestly don't think it had ever seen any use. The main bearing looks perfect, not a mark on it. Checked it with a dial caliper, and can't find any wear. I mean not even .0001 of an inch. Think I'll polish it anyway, just for ***** and giggles. Bushings also look perfect, but I bought some replacements anyway.
I got this TT on craigslist a few years back. The owner was asking $1200 for a complete deck, with an Empire tonearm (minus cartridge). Thought I'd take a chance and gave him a lowball offer. He at first declined, but then called back and said he'd accept the offer of $700.
I've seen complete beaters with frozen motors and missing parts sell for twice that. Low serial number model, in nearly pristine condition--very happy he accepted!! When I went to pick it up, I discovered that this guy was uber rich, and had a 5 car garage filled with cars, motorcycles, and hundreds of pieces of stereo equipment. He was moving, and couldn't take all of his stuff with him, and just wanted the turntable to go to someone who would appreciate it. Score!
