Classic Hifi Care

Hello all,
I'm working on a 1973-1974 V-M model D1272 N95 that
is a Zenith 2 G MicroTouch branded changer.

I've done one of these previously and the reason I'm
posting is to point out a wonky design flaw worthy
of a BSR comparison.

The ejector bracket/record spindle assembly on these V-M's is
attached to the die cast frame with one sheet metal screw.

The problem is that b/t the frame and the bracket, V-M
used either an expoxy glue or some BSR type grease.
The result is that the bracket assembly will NOT come off
unless you carefully apply a flame heat to the die cast frame
near the bracket to loosen the "grease".

I used a long tipped butane torch each time and was able
to remove the bracket assembly.

The motor must be removed, so that its wires are out
of the way of your flame source.

I'll post some photos a bit later, after I'm done with
the cleaning.
That V-M "grease" reminds me of all those 1960-1970's
BSR's that used a similar product.
It turned to epoxy on those parts, also.

My go-to remedy for any crabby changer is WD-40. I'm afraid if it needs more than that, I am in above my pay grade.....

Thanks for the tip, Mr. Mogul and please keep us informed with your progress. Maybe some of the talent on this forum when it comes to record changers will rub off on me.

Will a heat gun work for such a instance ...or not enough room to access the part?

I've always been hesitant to delve into changers, I also leave it at a squirt of penetrant and that's it. Lots of delicate mechanism I don't want to screw it up.

Here's some photos.
Third image is of the ejector/spindle assembly
finally removed for cleaning up.

I had another problem with the tonearm
locator hinge froze up with that epoxified grease.
A real bear to loosen with alcohol, then turbine
oil soaking into the hinge area.
Pliers were used with no harm to the locator.

Mechanically it's all good now. Waiting on the
needles from Gary at the V of Music.
Original cartridge has good output.

Thanks for the comments.

A heat gun is something I need to buy, but
more often than not, I need a focused source
of heat.
Sometimes I can use a solder gun for that,
but not in this case.

I have not run into this more modern version of the VM1200. I see plastic and cables, something the original 1200 did not have. Interesting how they made the changes. Thanks for sharing.

Bill

I may have totally messed up the changer in my CG fooling around, not knowing what I was doing. It worked, but not well before I messed with it. Now it doesn't work AT ALL! Same with the Imperial. A man's gotta know his limitations.....

I was also offered an idea that may work better than a sling to work on changers.

I had a zenith of this era.. the changer was frozen everywhere... the grease turned to glue... and even the RCA jacks under the platter where corroded to the point the sound would cut in and out while playing...I thought it was a relabeled BSR until I spied the manufacturer tag ... not the VM changers I remember

I worked on one of those even later V-M's as you
had. It was an L1272. It had the BSR changer base springs, and it
was locked up with the same epoxified grease as
the one I just completed.

I wondered at the time if V-M was using some BSR parts
as they wound down the business.

Hi-Fi-Mogul wrote: ↑Mon Mar 28, 2022 6:15 pm
I wondered at the time if V-M was using some BSR parts
as they wound down the business.

Or maybe they just borrowed some grease....

Chris Campbell

William wrote: ↑Sat Mar 26, 2022 7:28 pm I have not run into this more modern version of the VM1200. I see plastic and cables, something the original 1200 did not have. Interesting how they made the changes. Thanks for sharing.

Bill

Bill, I worked on an even later model of this changer, also from a Zenith. The off-on-rej slide switch was replaced with a tonearm rest-lockdown. Instead of sliding a lever, you twist the tonearm lock-down like you would a knob.

Like most other changers, disassembly and cleaning of moving parts is the key. I cheat by having a spare changer handy to check reassembly and these were rare, but these were also the end for V-M

Final adjustment: I had to tweak the trip link formed tab
so the tonearm would pick up at the lead out groove
on the end of an album.

My plumber friend who has the Zenith console picked
up this V-M D1272 yesterday.

He put it back into the console tonight, and he and
his wife are busy cleaning record albums they
haven't played in decades !

The changer is working smoothly and they are
some happy hi-fi campers.

It's always good to hear another unit has been repaired and is being enjoyed.

Bill