Page 1 of 1

Rockola 418 Write in wiper contacts.

Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2013 10:51 pm
by Richiex20
Hi all

I'm just in the early stages of my first foray into the world of jukebox restoration, I've purchased and read all the manuals cover to cover and have started the tear down.

The first real issue I have is that two of the wiper contacts on one side of the write in carriage arm have broken off at the base, is it possible to get replacements or can these be reproduced? If not I guess the only option is to find a used assembly compleat and replace the whole thing.

If anyone has had similar problems any advice would be gratefully received.

Thanks in advance

Rich

Re: Rockola 418 Write in wiper contacts.

Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2013 11:49 pm
by clones
Hi
Your best option would be to get the entire write in arm most that are for sale would be the entire assembly, although i would hold on to the solenoids and plastic unit as spares
regards
clones

Re: Rockola 418 Write in wiper contacts.

Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2013 11:52 pm
by Ron Rich
Hi Rich,
Welcome !
You have just about answered you own question--either repro them, or find them used. Check with the suppliers listed above in "Where to find---"
Ron Rich

Re: Rockola 418 Write in wiper contacts.

Posted: Wed Oct 30, 2013 3:11 pm
by Richiex20
Thanks Clones and Ron

Having done some research have decided to try and locate a second hand arm assembly. Don't know where to get them reproduced so think this is my best option.

Have made a few enquiries from a couple of people in the UK hopefully they will come up with something.

Is this quite a common problem as they are quite delicate.

Thanks again for the help no doubt I will be back with further enquiries soon! I'm loving this Jukebox thing ;) haha

Cheers

Rich

Re: Rockola 418 Write in wiper contacts.

Posted: Wed Oct 30, 2013 5:20 pm
by Ron Rich
Hi Rich,
I don't think it is a "common" problem--actually, I have never seen that happen. I have seen the contacts themselves "ruined", and loose to the blade. The former, I do believe to be "people caused" ? I have also seen instances where "someone" has "sandpapered" most of the "material" off the rings ! :roll:
Ron Rich

Re: Rockola 418 Write in wiper contacts.

Posted: Wed Oct 30, 2013 5:49 pm
by Richiex20
Hi Ron

Not sure if this will work but I've attached a picture showing the two broken contacts snapped off right at the base.

Hahaha sandpaper on the contact rings think that could be classed as owner error....

I'm sure I will find one soon, have located several of the newer 160 selection arms the ones with the blue mech on the ends but have been told they won't fit my unit. Do you know if the detachable blade assembly would be the same and I could fit that to my arm.....?

Thanks again

Rich

Re: Rockola 418 Write in wiper contacts.

Posted: Wed Oct 30, 2013 6:03 pm
by Ron Rich
Hi Rich,
Unfortunately, the photo did not come thru--but I think that it should be classified as "genius error", or as Rob from NYC says "Geppetto" error--just as I would do with the sandpapered rings (You are too kind !).
As for the differences in the arms--If I remember correctly, the whole contact blade is riveted to the arm assembly. If different, I would suspect one could remove, and re-rivet the good contact blade onto the other arm ? I was (blissfully ?) unaware of any difference in the blue, verses the gray, plastic contact blocks? I know I have had no problem interchanging them ?? Ron Rich