1964 Rock-Ola Grand Prix Troubleshooting

I recently picked up my first jukebox. A 1964 Rock-Ola Grand Prix. It's in pretty decent shape but has some problems.

I picked up a users manual, but before digging into it I wanted to touch base with people familiar with servicing these things and see if there were any pointers or obvious places to look for my problems.

I've uploaded a short video of what I'm seeing when I power the unit on. The lights all come on and the amp appears to be active. I'm getting a slight hum from the speakers.

When I press a letter and number selection it spins up but doesn't grab a record (or even turn the record wheel). When I just press a number (no letter) it does the same thing.

I picked up the full service manual (actually a original copy) but like I said wanted to check with you guys first just in case this is a more common problem.

I appreciate any suggestions.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4zYS5sRLk0&hd=1

Josh,
First--what is the model # of that machine--"GP's" were made in many forms--
Second, it appeares to me that you have at least three problems--which I would take-on one at a time, starting in the following sequence-
Check all fuses for proper size and type--change ANY that were "wrong".
Oil the gripper assembly using only 20 wt. ND oil--get it inbetween the two gears for sure--
Remove the read-out arm, and clean the slip-rings with a non-redsidue safety solvent, followed by a light coating of Deoxit.
Do the same with the contacts on the RO arm. Re-assemble the arm onto the shaft, and it probably will begin picking up all of the records that have the pin in the "select" state. If not, you will need to follow the path forthe gripper motor, and determine why it's not running.
Next, I would do the samething to the write-in side of the pinbank--only here, it can be done without removing the arm--
Once "clean" it should "hammer" a pin, when selected.
Once that's up and running, you should be able to tell which switch on the key board is "sticking" by pushing numbers and seeing which letter is being selected--
Have fun--READ the manual--

Thanks for the reply. Its model #425. i have a original service manual thats ive lightly gone through, but all that told me is that maybe i needed a little advice before actually touching anything. ill work through the things you've mentioned and will post a update when completed.

thanks again for the reply.

I scanned a few pages of the manual just to make sure I'm following what you're saying.

http://www.mulletmafia.com/jukebox

Oil the gripper assembly using only 20 wt. ND oil--get it inbetween the two gears for sure-


Remove the read-out arm, and clean the slip-rings with a non-redsidue safety solvent, followed by a light coating of Deoxit.

I'm a bit confused.. which part is this? Is it on the inside or the outside?

Do the same with the contacts on the RO arm. Re-assemble the arm onto the shaft, and it probably will begin picking up all of the records that have the pin in the "select" state. If not, you will need to follow the path forthe gripper motor, and determine why it's not running.

http://www.mulletmafia.com/jukebox/Scan5.jpg

should part C move? it doesn't at all currently.. the arm on the left of the 'wheel' does.. but the right side doesn't move at all.

Next, I would do the samething to the write-in side of the pinbank--only here, it can be done without removing the arm--

Once "clean" it should "hammer" a pin, when selected.

I still need to read the manual, I won't lie and say I did.. I glanced at it at work and scanned a couple sheets. I appreciate the help, and I'll read the manual shortly.. I just wanted to post some pics to make sure we were talking about the same things before I started removing parts.

Thanks again.

Please read the manual--You then will be familiar with the terms--I do not have the time required to re-write it here--sorry-
Ron Rich

I'm a newbie...bear with me. Rock-O-La Grand Prix 425. Purchased out of a basement, found a service tech a few years back in West Allis Wisconsun but cant find him any more. He cleaned up the unit a bit, new needle, but said I needed replacement grommets. Ordered new grommets but they're black and I can't seem to get them to work, they should be the white ones but I can't find them anywhere!

Also looking for a manual. I would prefer an original copy but I don't want to wait. Anyone know where I could download a copy?

There's a lot of static coming from the speakers and it doesn't sound like they're all working. Are there original refurbished s?

Oie....All I wanted was to remember playing these awesome songs with my Dad when he took me with for an afternoon shorty!

Feeling frustrated.

Kim

Hi Kim,
1.--IF you are "hearing noise", from the speakers without a record being played, you have an amplifier problem, which, if left un-repaired, can become costly ! If you don't have the skills to repair it, you should NOT power it up as you will need to find someone who does (once again, list of repair persons is posted above ) !
2. Read the above posts, to locate sources for manuals-usually, "downloads" are very poor--
3. White grommets are the correct ones for use with a RockOla, and as far as I know, still available--check with the legit suppliers listed above--someone will have them ! Ron Rich