LOOKING FOR 1963 ZENITH MODEL 169-174,175 R181 RECORDCHANGER

Hi! I am looking for a Zenith record changer from 1963 or 1964. It is the belt-drive one with the 45 spindle that collapses in half into the turntable platter. It is for a console model MK2670 radio/phono floor model. (SAMS#674-13) The changer is a model # 169-174, 169-175 or 169-181 (SAMS#660-14). Any one of these will work. Sometime in this unit's past history, Some dolt replaced this changer with a more modern late 60's/early 70's VM which, of course, has a rock-hard idler wheel. I would really like to get the original changer for this as it was a pretty high end one for a console. Needle and/or cartiridge condition not important. Nor is the working condition. I can fix it if need be. PLEASE HELP! Thanks in advance! Regards, Ross

vintagetvdoctor, i don't have the turntable you are looking for, but i am also looking for a 169-174 turntable for a killer 1963 console i picked up off the sidewalk. works great but the turntable was gone. i put in a newer one i had but it drives me crazy i don't have the original. did you get any responses , maybe you know where an extra is? i hope you had luck finding yours. thanks, Steve Cocanougher 540-344-5027.

Parts is probably the reason the Zenith Microtouch changer was replaced. It is a lot easier to get the idler wheel for a V-M than the one for the Zenith. There weren't too many of those made.

Also, the early version of that pop-up 45 spindle was easily damaged. It rotated with the records, and used a stop-wheel record dropping method similar to the ones on the RCA 45 changers. People damaged it by putting the overarm on the records.

I need a Zenith 169 366 or any similiar changer that will fit without changing the base. My problem was that plastic connector to the on/off switch. The plastic crumbled, broke up. I had at least two other changers I picked up, think all were made by VM with same switch and they were bad. I currently have a BSR raised up on bracket installed in set now. It only plays about six records max and I can't get the volume too high tho it's loud enough for me. By-the-way my Zenith is Model A952 and looks brand new. If I don't get a Zenith changer soon I will change the base and mount another changer. Which changer do you recommend Larry?

The switches used on V-M changers are volume-control on-off switches with an extension link. You can get a volume control switch and trade the internal parts. Glaser-Steers changers, and some Zenith changers, use the same kind of switch.

One thing you can do to prolong the life of the switch is to connect a .01 uF 600 volt capacitor across the switch contacts, and don't use the switch to turn on other devices too.

I have done both of these.

You might try a Webcor changer for a base fit. The mechanism on those Zenith changers reminds me of the Webcor changers.

But if you are interested in the best changers for preserving records, check out this page:

Which record changers are safe?

Thanks Larry. I have had your site in my favorites for some time. It's a good one. Had forgot about your coverage, have consulted it many times. It's the reason I hold on to Collaro changers. I have three now. Just couldn't see using one in the Zenith. Have plans for Magnavox amps.
Bill