Moving an AMI E 120

Hi Guys-

New to jukeboxes and new to this forum, seems like a great place. I've been into antique radios and TV's for years and I am hoping to pick up my first jukebox this weekend, a '53 AMI E 120. I am looking for some moving advice: I was planning on transporting it in my GMC Suburban, laying on it's back. Problem is that the owner does not have a key. My plan was to secure as much as possible and remove all the records (the box is full of records) before laying it down, but I don't think that is going to happen without a key.

Can anyone tell me what I can expect to be "flopping" around? I certainly don't want to damage anything and may have to figure out a better way to transport this box.

Thanks,
Matt
NJ

Hello Matt,

Welcome to the forum.

If the jukebox lock was the standard one fitted then the key number would be 50A-1, Ask the seller if the lock has any numbers printed on the face of the lock.

You must get into the jukebox to lock down the mechanism with its shipping bolts, be able tape down the tone arm and check that all the chassis are firmly bolted in place and will not come adrift. If you use tape to secure anything, use new tape so you have a desent of removing any residue.

Put tape across any opening doors so they can not spring open in transit and take loads of bubble wrap and blankets with you, the odd end of 3 or 4 x 2 can come in useful and the same can be said for a couple of rollers to help getting the jukebox into position on your vehicle.

Regards
Alan

Alan Hood
ami-man
UK

Matt,
My advise would be--if you can't open the door ( wasn't quite sure if it was open or locked closed)---you CAN'T move it on it's back (without doing damage) ! If there is a key number on the lock, and it's an "original" style, any GOOD locksmith can cut a replacement using the computer program, with the added knowledge that the blank is a "D8785".
Ron Rich

Thanks for the warm welcome and quick responses! You guys are basically confirming my suspicions - not a good idea to move it as-is. As far as I know, the box is original, been sitting since the 60's. I would bet it has the original locks. I will try to contact the seller to see if the lock face has any numbers.

It would be great if I could go armed with a key!

Alan - you mention # 50A-1 - would that be the number I would expect to see on the lock if original?

Ron - The box is locked closed. Thanks also for the key blank info. I actually do know a good locksmith. What is this computer program you mention?

Thanks again for the help,

Matt

Hi Matt,
I am not a locksmith--but my locksmith has a program she uses for these keys--I just give her "da numba", and she has a key made, before I can get there to pick it up---
Ron Rich

Thanks Ron. Great info. I will contact my locksmith friend and report back. I will also try to verify with the current owner that the lock is original - I would bet it is.
Thanks again,
Matt

In the mean time, Alan mentioned locking the mechanism with bolts, etc. Anyone know what size bolts I should bring and exactly where I should expect to install them for safe travel?

Matt

Matt

Here is a link where you can obtain keys so you do not have to drill the locks out like some people do

http://www.needles4jukeboxes.com/ami_keys.htm

John is a good vendor and has many other parts also available.

Best
Darrell

mdmccool wrote:In the mean time, Alan mentioned locking the mechanism with bolts, etc. Anyone know what size bolts I should bring and exactly where I should expect to install them for safe travel?

Matt

Take a look here: http://www.needles4jukeboxes.com/ami_keys.htm (scroll down).

If it is a bell #50A and you can't get it cheaper than this site offers, I'd replace the locks.

I may still have that key...somewhere...I'll look.

Rob/NYC

Matt,
If a "Bell"--locksmith can not cut one--I did not realize "Bell's" were used in that model--
Ron Rich

Hi Guys,
Thanks again for all the replies. Hmmm...does look like it is going to end-up being a bell-type lock...gotta get this machine moved Sunday afternoon one way or another...dang

Find a "friend" who owns a pick-up, or trailer ?? Ron Rich

Made it home with the machine! Now to get a key...

Will post some photos soon.