How Do I Clean Up This Baby?

[jls001]

Got this yday. How do I clean it up (cosmetically)?
Joshua

PS: more questions will follow on:
a) rebuilding plinth
b) cartridge advice (comes with a Shure V15 Type III with broken stylus mounted on SME 3009 arm)
c) interconnect cable
d) oiling

 

[Sachin]

Got this yday. How do I clean it up (cosmetically)?
Joshua...

The photo is not much clear, however, if it is only metal part to be cleaned, i feel you may use either an alkaline cleaner or the solvents like TCE. PLEASE note it is only for the metal parts and not on any rubber/plastic parts. The TCE helps in removing all swarf, grim on the parts accumulated over the years. After cleaning you may blow off with hand blower for drying it completely prior to assembly. This is my suggestion, let experts suggest you as well.
Regards.

 

[jls001]

The photo is not much clear, however, if it is only metal part to be cleaned, i feel you may use either an alkaline cleaner or the solvents like TCE. PLEASE note it is only for the metal parts and not on any rubber/plastic parts. The TCE helps in removing all swarf, grim on the parts accumulated over the years. After cleaning you may blow off with hand blower for drying it completely prior to assembly. This is my suggestion, let experts suggest you as well.
Regards.

Basically I want to clean up the grime on the painted parts. Surprisingly, the bottom/innards are fairly clean and won't need any special cleanup. So what I need is something to clean up the enamel paint parts, and later buff it to give it a nice sheen.

What is full form of TCE? And available at chemists?

Also, is there any polish to make the rubber mat look newer?
TIA,
Joshua

 

[G401fan]

Now, that's a fabulous find. A Mk II I presume. Congrats!

There's plenty you could do to bring out the best in that baby. The 'net is rife with options. In addition to plinth rebuild, you should clean out and re-lubricate the main bearing, try and open the motor (if you've got the courage to do so) and clean that too, clean out the motor spindle, the idler wheel and get the belt replaced (provided there are speed inaccuracies), and also check if the mushrooms that come between the frame and the plinth need replacing. Most of the parts are readily available off eBay and specialist stores on the 'net.

All the best. Envy you.

rgds

 

[Rajiv]

Now, that's a fabulous find. A Mk II I presume. Congrats!

Hi,

It certainly is.Congratulations .

The TD124 is a superb TT.

This is a good thread to read.

Restoring and Improving A Thorens TD-124 MKII - diyAudio

Also check out Stefano Pasini's superb site.

My Turntables-Main


You could use a new JICO stylus for the V15/III. The Denon Dl103 will work in the SME 3009/II (not improved ) .

From what I can make out from the picture it looks like a MKI.The MK II had a different speed selector switch apart from the non magnetic lighter platter.

Regards
Rajiv

 

[jls001]

Now, that's a fabulous find. A Mk II I presume. Congrats!

There's plenty you could do to bring out the best in that baby. The 'net is rife with options. In addition to plinth rebuild, you should clean out and re-lubricate the main bearing, try and open the motor (if you've got the courage to do so) and clean that too, clean out the motor spindle, the idler wheel and get the belt replaced (provided there are speed inaccuracies), and also check if the mushrooms that come between the frame and the plinth need replacing. Most of the parts are readily available off eBay and specialist stores on the 'net.

All the best. Envy you.

rgds

Mark I it is.

Regarding opening the motor, I read this: ?g?[?????X THORENS model TD 124 and it seems to be quite a daunting task, involving drilling off studs (rivet) to open up the bearing holder (though I do have a drill handy and am fairly competent with a drill machine), and other such scary stuff:lol:

Lubing the main bearing ought to be much simpler (or will there be oops moments?). Will normal sewing machine oil sold by sewing machine shops do for bearing lubing, or do I need some specific grade of oil/mineral oil?

As far as I could see, there seems to be no mushroom.

 

[jls001]

You could use a new JICO stylus for the V15/III. The Denon Dl103 will work in the SME 3009/II (not improved ) .

From what I can make out from the picture it looks like a MKI.The MK II had a different speed selector switch apart from the non magnetic lighter platter.

Regards
Rajiv

Hi Rajiv,
I've been seeing this site too: Shure Replacement Styli. World renown Ed Saunders stylus. and there seems to be replacement stylii aplenty at reasonable cost. The Denon
DL103 is something I've been dying to try out. It is surely in my future "to buy" list. Hope this will work on the SME 3009 arm (plain 3009 and not Series II or Improved).

Yes, this is indeed the Mark I.
Joshua

 

[G401fan]

Regular sewing oil is good enough for the main bearing, though there are exotic oils out there that may be prescribed by some sites.

The 3009 arm can accommodate the Denon 103 cartridge with its higher VTF. The later Series II Improved and S2 Improved, were designed for higher compliant cartridges that don't exceed a VTF of 1.5 gms.

You might have a problem with MC cartridges (like the Denon), tho', because of the cast iron magnetic platter of the Mk I model. The later Mk II replaced the platter with one made of aluminium.

 

[jls001]

You might have a problem with MC cartridges (like the Denon), tho', because of the cast iron magnetic platter of the Mk I model. The later Mk II replaced the platter with one made of aluminium.

I read somewhere that a glass or acrylic layer below the rubber pad to raise level by 4-6mm is sufficient to overcome this issue.
Joshua

 

[venkatcr]

Regular sewing oil is good enough for the main bearing, though there are exotic oils out there that may be prescribed by some sites.

Instead of oil, a touch of grease would be a better option. You get special transparent grease that are made specially for small motors and bearings. This lasts for a longer time also.

Cheers

 

[Sachin]

Basically I want to clean up the grime on the painted parts. Surprisingly, the bottom/innards are fairly clean and won't need any special cleanup. So what I need is something to clean up the enamel paint parts, and later buff it to give it a nice sheen.

What is full form of TCE? And available at chemists?

Also, is there any polish to make the rubber mat look newer?
TIA,
Joshua

Hi sorry for the delayed response, the TCE is an solvent (Trichloroethylene) and is one of the best cleaning agent used for the metallic surfaces/parts only. Will not recommend on painted surface, as it is an strong cleaner. If you are completely dismantling the TT and needs to clean all the parts, you may use TCE to clean and if you can get hold of ultrasonic cleaner (Jewellers use them as well) nothing like it. TCE is available at Lab equipment supppliers or with industrial chemical supplier's.
For rubber (it should be neoprene), i am not sure nor i have tried any but you get some good rubber cleaners (check specs prior to use) at automobile shops (used to bring back the shine on tyres) i guess that may help.
Regards.

 

[trittya]

Use hi quality GG(graphite grease) for lube
You wont regret it coz it doesnt attract dust (deposits)