Rockola 440 or AMI F-120

I am trying to find a jukebox to restore as a project. I found two, both needing work, both are $200. First is a Rockola 440. Has an issue where the pickup arm is stuck rigid in one position and will not move. Otherwise, it is in good working shape (i.e. The Amp, lights, coin mech, etc). Second one is an AMI F-120. I like this one somewhat more because it is older and you can see the record playing, but it is farther away, and being a teen who relies on his parents for travel still, that is a somewhat major issue. The F-120 needs more overall restoration, needing paint, a new name plate, and is completely untested. Does anyone have any opinions on which I should get? Also, can anyone tell me the specs (height, length, depth, weight, amp power) on either one? Thanks.
Joe

Well let me start out by saying that the following are just my opinions. This is almost like asking someone if Ford or Chevy is better? Or if Lionel or American Flyer is better.. When everyone knows that Ford is better and American Flyers are way better than Lionels! LOL.. I can say that I have owned quite a few AMi's and have personally restored an F-120. The F-120 is usually a fairly easy resto in that there aren't many expensive repop parts to buy or pricey chrome. The painted finish is easy to recreate. The aluminum can polish up to a beautiful shine. The amp is a simple one that should be easy to recap. The visible mech is a plus, but even with that the F-120 is not a really desirable machine. The one big pitfall is that the ribbon cable of wires to the turntable almost always has to be redone with zipcord, this is a must since the original wires are usually brittle and broken. For some it can be intimidating. The real bonus of this first year Hi-Fidelity AMi is that when it is done it has a fantastic sound. The folded horn for bass is really a treat to the ears and the treble horn at ear level throws the sound at your head not your feet. Although I just don't like Rockola's in general and especially of that vintage. (They just don't have a good sound in my opinion). I will say that they are very dependable workhorses. I always say to someone looking for a juke to just play their records on with as little trouble as can be expected the 60's and up Rockola is a dependable machine that is easy to fix. I hope this helps, but please do not depend on one opinion alone.

Hmm is this also like a comparison to Star Trek NG or Star Trek OS? Live long and prosper!

Since jukeboxes have their arms protected by glass from people grabbing the arm during the change cycle (in normal use), jukeboxes usually do not have safety drives on their arm control parts. Most record changers made after 1945 have safety drives (with the unhappy exception of Garrard, which waited until 1967).

The arm probably does not move because the change mechanism has stopped in the middle of a cycle.

Alternatively, if someone DID grab the arm trying to free it, there could be bent parts.

Also now considering a Seeburg Q160 and another one, which is from the 1950's and has a curved glass front. The owner couldn't tell me more than that.

Turns out the "curved glass" jukebox is either an AMI model H or I

Regarding the Q 160. The amp in that jukebox is not for a novice, it is one of the more difficult Seeburg tube amps to work on. Some of the other common problems of that era seeburg are sticking clutch mechanisms. This box also can have the usual tormat read in write out problems. This is not a good candidate for a first box. The Q is a nice box overall and could possibly have more value than a comparable (condition wise) AMi F though. The AMi's (both H and I) have a very classic look and are in demand as a collectors box. The selection system on this is not for a novice. They can have some difficult to fix problems. The amp is straight forward on these and easy to deal with. The cabinet is full of zip cord to the lighting that usually goes bad and has to be replaced. These are of course just my opinions don't go by what I say, but weigh it out against other advice. Good luck in your decision making.

The Model H or I is a model I afterall. Turns out he's asking $200, with the front glass intact. I saw, in ebay completed items, an H sell for $2995 restored. I think I know what I'm buying.