Storing a Jukebox

Hello,

I am moving because of work and have to store both of my jukes. My Rowe R-86 shows how to get it ready for moving but my Rock-Ola 464 does not; I could not find anything about moving or storage in the manual. Does anyone know what I need to do in order to secure the mech?

Thanks much,

Curtis

Hi Curtis,
I never saw a RockOla, unpacked when new--but common sense tells me--
I would remove all records, remove the turntable, tie down the tone arm, and the four suspension supports.
Look for ANYTHING that's "loose", or can "fly around" and secure it. Be sure all locks are locked--pray ?.
Ron Rich

My 425 Grand Prix has survived 4 moves quite nicely. Pretty much plug and play after the moves. Different model than yours, but I could swear my service manual has unpacking or shipping instructions. Like Rich suggests. That's all I've ever done. I worry more about some mover breaking the glass.

Hi Doghouse,
I dis-agree slightly here--
As far as I know, the four mounting studs should be run ALL the way up-- The purpose of having the mechanism sitting on "springs" is to stop "cabinet harmonics" from being transferred to the tone arm. If one or more of the four studs is used for leveling the TT, it defeats that purpose. ( I know, for sure that Seeburgs, WurliTzer, and AMi, jukeboxes are so designed, and I ASSUME RO is the same). Ron Rich

Hi Doghouse,
Yes--there is a lot of "movement" available, but the second that any pressure is exerted on them, it becomes more of a "solid connection" between the cabinet, and mechanism, which causes feed back--- Ron Rich

We usually take packing material such as padded foam and pack it at the top of the records and maybe tape it down, so that the records in the exposed 1/2 of the upper rack do not fall out. Tape down the tone arm or use rubber bands or rubber hair ties.

Now the big thing is to make sure all of the holes where cords run in and out, and any gaps are sealed to prevent mice to enter the unit and build a nest inside. But plastic shrink wrap is always your other best option to avoid scratching the glass and sides, and just plain to protect it.

And when bringing it back to life remove all the packing, and surely need to clean and oil the gripper arm bearings (sleeves) cause they are bound to have the grease harden up, etc. The biggest problems I see with Rockola a lot is the gripper arm sleeves and the CAM that is inside of the sleeves that the gripper arm opens and closes in a pinching action. Difficult to oil these easily. They will often gum up and stall out the loading and unloading system. I had one actually crack a gear because it (the motor) applied so much pressure. The double gear on the center part of the gripper also needs to be cleaned and greased so it has free motion.
AMI and all others have similar designs of the gripper arm and all suffer the same problems.

Among the best oil to use to re lube stuff is sewing machine oil. You can get that at Walmart or any fabric shop.
3 in 1 oil is also good. Don't use gun oil however as it usually is too thin.

KB,
I strongly dis-agree with you choice of "oils"- IMHO, the only oil to use on a jukebox is 20 wt., ND, motor oil. "3 in One" does supply it, in 3 oz. plastic cans, or a GOOD auto parts store can also get it in qt. bottles.
I would also oil it prior to storage--otherwise all of your suggestions are fine with me ! BTW--A "Brillo", or , "SOS" pad can be stuffed in any hole, to keep the mice out--Ron Rich