Removing the Victrola Motor Board

Instructions for Removing and Shipping Your Motor Board for Rebuilding

These instructions are general guidelines for removing the motor board from most Victor Victrola models. If your model differs from what is described or shown, please contact us for assistance before proceeding.

Step-by-Step Removal Instructions

1. Remove the crank handle.

Turn the crank counterclockwise to completely unscrew it from the motor. Occasionally, the crank may be tight and require a firm push with the palm of your hand to loosen it. Once it begins turning, continue counterclockwise until you can pull it straight out.

Optional crank restoration: For an additional $15, we will remove rust, polish the metal, and refinish the wooden handle. See our repair prices page for details. If you are not sending the crank, store it inside your Victrola’s storage compartment so it doesn’t get lost.

2. Remove the turntable.

Grasp the turntable with both hands and lift it straight up. If it does not lift off easily, please contact us for assistance.

The turntable must be included with your shipment, as we need it to properly test and calibrate your motor.

Optional turntable restoration: For an additional $25, we will replace the turntable felt and recondition the outside edge, including cleaning and polishing the nickel or gold plating. Please let us know when you text us to confirm shipment if you would like this service.

3. Position the automatic brake arm.

If your Victrola has an automatic brake with a U-shaped arm attached to the brake mechanism, rotate the arm fully counterclockwise until it is positioned entirely over the motor board. This prevents the arm from being bent or damaged when the motor board is lifted.

We clean, rebuild, and replace the brake leather on all motors sent to us at no additional charge.

4. Remove the front motor board screws.

Using a flathead screwdriver, remove the two large-headed screws located at the front corners of the motor board.

Once the motor board has been removed, partially reinstall these screws in their original holes to prevent losing them.

Do not send these screws. They are not needed for the motor rebuild.

5. Lift the motor board.

Most Victrola motor boards have a lift knob similar to those found on the upper cabinet doors.

If the knob is present, use it to lift the motor board. If the knob is missing, carefully lift using the turntable spindle.

Tilt the motor board upward as far as it will go, making sure the tonearm is moved completely to the right and out of the way.

6. Release the motor board support track.

There is typically a support track on the left side that holds the motor board in its raised position.

While holding the motor board up at an angle with your right hand, use your left hand to disengage the support track from its guide pin.

7. Remove the motor board from the cabinet.

Once the support track is disconnected, grasp the motor board firmly on both sides and pull it straight toward you, toward the front of the Victrola.

The rear mounting clips may require a firm pull to release them from their pins.

If you experience difficulty, please contact us for assistance.

8. Leave the motor attached to the motor board.

Do not remove the motor or any other components from the motor board. We need the complete assembly for proper rebuilding, testing, and calibration.

The motor may contain considerable amounts of old, black, hardened grease and can be messy before restoration. Place the entire motor board assembly inside a plastic garbage bag to contain any grease or dirt during shipping.

Packing and Shipping Instructions

9. Carefully pack the motor board.

Victrola motors and motor boards are generally durable, and shipping damage is uncommon when properly packaged.

• Wrap the entire assembly in bubble wrap, towels, or similar soft protective material.
• Place it in a sturdy shipping box large enough to allow cushioning on all sides, including the top and bottom.
• Fill the surrounding space with packing peanuts, additional bubble wrap, towels, or other suitable packing material.
• Make sure the motor board cannot shift or move inside the box.

Do not allow the motor board or motor to rest directly against the sides of the shipping carton.

If you do not have suitable packing materials or cannot find an appropriate box, consider having the assembly professionally packed by a pack-and-ship service.

10. Include your contact information.

Place a note inside the box containing your name and contact information.

11. Ship your motor board to:

New England Victrola
8 Village Street
Manchester, CT 06040

Once shipped, text your tracking number to 860-833-5968, along with the following information:

• Your full name
• Return shipping address
• Telephone number
• Email address

An invoice covering the motor rebuild and return shipping charges will be emailed to you the day before your restored motor is shipped back.

Included With Every Motor Rebuild at No Additional Charge

Every motor rebuild includes the following services:

• Automatic brake: Cleaned, rebuilt, and fitted with new brake leather.
• Motor board: Thoroughly cleaned and waxed.
• Speed control: Cleaned, polished, and lubricated. The acrylic window is replaced if missing, yellowed, or difficult to see through.
• Speed scale: Cleaned and restored for improved readability.
• Lift knob: Cleaned and polished.
• Hardware: Rust, dirt, and corrosion removed from screw heads, motor bolt heads, and washers.
• Minor replacement parts: Missing or damaged minor components are typically replaced at no charge. If a part must be specially ordered, we will notify you and obtain your approval before proceeding.

Sending Your Tonearm and Reproducer for Rebuilding?

If you are also sending your Victrola tonearm and reproducer for restoration along with your motor, please review our Tonearm Removal Instructions before shipping.

New England Victrola LLC
Manchester, Connecticut
www.nevictrola.com