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1953 Zenith Cobramatic Console Help!!!

Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2011 3:47 am
by Dracologist
Hello, I need help with my 1953 Zenith Cobramatic like the one for here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Zenith-Cobra-Matic-Radio-Phonograph-15-x-19-Works-/150665261429?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2314597175 I am having a problem with the Motor Tension Spring of the phonograph part of the console. I have
read the other topic here: http://www.phonoland.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=3607
But I have read it SEVERAL times and I don't understand what Cobramaster is saying about the spring pulling the motor to the wheel whenever the speed lever is turned on.
How can that be possible when the two parts are mounted to the base? Any help would be REALLY appreciative for myself and my Grandmother...
-- Ryan --

Re: 1953 Zenith Cobramatic Console Help!!!

Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2011 4:54 am
by Ron Rich
Ryan,
Going only from the photo's, and just guessing----'cause I dono !
See the blue/black wires in the photo ? Look to the left of them, and "down", and you will see a "silver notched", "chunk" of metal. Now look under that at the copper colored material, under the "notch"--see the "line" (it ends at the "cut-out" ) ? Then look at the support holding the idler wheel. See the hole ON THE SIDE. I think that's the other spring catch--
I think he is stating that the whole motor assembly "pivots" to put pressure on the two wheels.
Hope that helps-- Ron Rich

Re: 1953 Zenith Cobramatic Console Help!!!

Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2011 5:43 am
by Dracologist
Ron Rich wrote:You will see a "silver notched", "chunk" of metal. Now look under that at the copper colored material, under the "notch"--see the "line" (it ends at the "cut-out" ) ? Then look at the support holding the idler wheel. See the hole ON THE SIDE. I think that's the other spring catch

I already know where the notches are to put the spring because the spring is already set.
Ron Rich wrote:I think he is stating that the whole motor assembly "pivots" to put pressure on the two wheels.

But, THAT is what I'm trying to figure out!!! The whole motor and idler assemblies are mounted to the copper base by means of screws!!! So, if there is "pivoting" of the motor assembly, then one of the motor screws has to be removed and the assembly is left partly loose due to the spring...

Re: 1953 Zenith Cobramatic Console Help!!!

Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2011 3:30 pm
by shedradios
Sounds like you need to go to this site:

http://www.nostalgiaair.org/Resources/652/M0025652.htm

and review the data. I can't tell from your previously posted pictures but do you have spring 80 attached. Record changer mentioned this in previous post.

Bill

Re: 1953 Zenith Cobramatic Console Help!!!

Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2011 9:44 pm
by Dracologist
shedradios wrote:Spring 80

What is Spring 80!? I looked at the diagrams SEVERAL times on the URL you posted. But I never saw (on the pictures) an arrow with an "80" at the end; only on the Parts List!!!

Re: 1953 Zenith Cobramatic Console Help!!!

Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2011 9:49 pm
by Dracologist
Dracologist wrote:
shedradios wrote:Spring 80

What is Spring 80!?

Hahahaha!!! I figured out what you are talking about... Spring 80 is the spring between the Motor and the Idler Mount. Yeah, I already have it in the assembly, but it's not doing
anything to either the Motor and the Idler...

Re: 1953 Zenith Cobramatic Console Help!!!

Posted: Sat Jan 11, 2014 3:33 am
by Billguwapo
This is an easy one and actually seems to be a common problem. The motor looks like it is supposed to be held on by two screws but in all actuality it only uses one because the other was a shipping bolt to hold the motor in place for shipping.