Hi, New to the forum, and have just picked up one of these Ristaucrat Radio/Phonograph home model. I have checked it all out and the only thing missing is the bakelite pieces in the spindle that drops the records. I read somewhere on one of the posts that it is the same spindle as on an RCA.
Any info on this would be greatly appreciated. I have read allot of the posts on here and they have been a great help. Plain on taking lot of pictures as I disassemble. I have done quite a bit of work on the portable RCA player, and some juke boxes, but first time on one of these.
Any info on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I hope you didn't do anything with the changer. These are very complicated to work on, and, very crittical. The mannuals to repair them are even rarer than the machines themselves.
The turntable, and, the basic tone arm are the only similar parts to RCA.
You would have to replace the spindle parts, as the turntables are different below. RCA used a spiral groove on theirs to run the changer, Not this companny, though.
Manny gears, and, levers in these machines, and, very complicated.
If you dismantle it, you'll nvever b able to get if fixed by yourself, unless you have major experience, and, know these changers well.
They are neat to watch in action, though.
Bill Cahill

Have not touch it yet, Just checking it out.. Have done allot of clock work, so I'm use to allot of gears. Was just curious if anyone is reproducing those changer bakelite parts. In reading I found that these parts brake down over time and use. They move very quickly when they change records
and are prone to chip or break. Especially when a different thickness of record is used and it jams
the changer. Thanks for your input

Rich

Bill, the couple I've serviced are indeed bastards to work on.
Matter of fact, I've got another one in the shop right now waiting its turn.
They're definitely not for amateurs.

Although I’m not ‘in the business’, I have rebuilt at least six of these Ristaucrat phonographs, maybe more. There are three popular types that you can see at my site at http://www.phonojack.com
To learn about the company and Ristau Brothers, the managers and engineers that built these machines, click on Ristau Brothers. To see the variety of Ristaucrat machines, click on Ristaucrat Collection. I agree that these machines are tough to rebuild, they are designed and built for a heavy duty-cycle as these were often put in public places such as restaurants and bars. The home versions (mahogany and blond cabinet phono/radio combinations) use many of the same components and assemblies as the Coin-op machines.

It’s almost certain that you’ll have to replace the idler wheel, this is exactly the same wheel as used in RCA’s RP-190 record changer. The bad news is you really have to disassemble quite a bit to remove this idler. There are some but not many common items as used in the RCA RP-168 and RP-190 record changers. Rebuilding the radio/amplifier is a piece of cake, a very common tube complement too. Using the search feature here, take a look at some of the threads that have been posted here on ARF.

I’d suggest you take plenty of digital photos along the way, group parts in little plastic bags with your own special notes to remind you what you did. Before you remove any nuts/bolts, make a mental note of the logical sequence used to assemble and disassemble these machines. As a safety net, you should contact RepairTech and ask him he can bail you out if necessary, on the other hand, it might cost less if you don’t touch it. Good luck and have fun.

Welcome aboard Rich45. Some say this is “Mission Impossible”.

“Your mission, Rich45 is to rebuild and restore your Ristuacrat to flawless, reliable operation. Should you choose to accept this mission, you will be richly rewarded. As usual, should you fail, or be captured or killed, the ARF will disavow any knowledge of your existence. This tape will self-destruct in five seconds”. Good luck, Rich.

Jack

Thanks Jack,

Who is this RepairTech guy and How do I get a hold of him or them? I can contact him with questions about spindle bakelite pieces I need, and a parts layout or schematic..

Rich

Did you get this one out of Sandusky Ohio? I looked at one there that sounds very similar. This one was in beautiful cosmetic shape but recall the missing pieces in the spindle you mention. I passed on it as these units don't do much for me but picked up some nice other 45 players from the guy.

Hi bastardbus ,

No this one came from Saint Cloud MN. Said it was in the family, was going to restore it but desided he would never get to it. Just checking here for the part i of the spindle that is missing, and see if anyone is reproducting them

Thanks for the reply. Have a 64 VW camper bus... Love it, it's fiun to drive!!

Repairtech is the official Ms. Congeniality of ARF. Don't worry, he'll find you.

And..... I thank you for that "plug"......
Being a proud professional servicer that I am, and a bit snotty/snobby too, (comes from being a perfectionist, ya know) it's rare to get admiration from the masses of heathens.

Hi Bill,

I chatted with you earlier about parts I needed for my Ristaucrat Dail 0 Matic. Wouild concider having someone
restore the changer for me. Would you be intested in doing that? I could do the amp and radio.
my s phone # 508 648 6303 email raelskamp@verizon.net

Thanks!

Rich

Those are not that hard to restore . You dont need to take all the gears out of the changer . The idler is a bit hard to get at but can be done without taking to much apart .

The little jukebox version i restored , i took the changer out and removed the motor and a coil or 2 ( been a while ) and washed the whole mech with a good cleaner .

I rebuilt my own idler with new rubber parts . That was a challenge but i got it done .

Finding parts however can be tough .

As you can see, Matt is kinda modest. But if you want it fixed right, he's the man. I'm glad someone bought that thing. I thought long and hard about it a number of times as it was only 15 miles away.

I have to admit when I first came here I thought you were a bit ... cranky. Then I saw the light. I get good info from your posts, thanks.

Rich

But..... I *am* a cranky thing!

Imagine yourself as a knowledgable perfectionist and having to deal with peasents!

A few on here that I've dealt with professionally know my, ahem, talents....
They call me names too!
Like:
"Stickler"
"Dying breed"
"Mister Magic"
"One of a Kind"
and more!

Besides, I'm not alive on here for anyone to "like" me.... I just want them to like my work.

And they do.

NO SOUP FOR YOU!!!!!

Seinfeld reference. RT, I totally get it. I can imagine - or maybe I can't fully- but someone walks into your shop - with a portable DVD player and an attitude. Good that there are some perfectionists left. Hope you saw that Seinfeld episode - it's a perfect analogy. RT - tube nazi.

Mr. Congeniality? I know a better term, but I'm afraid Alan would frown on it. LOL!!!

Hush up, you arkie.

I used to log on to this forum solely for tech tips, but the sarcastic humor is another enjoyable benefit

And, it the sarchasm doesn't stop, I see this post being locked.
Let's get along, boyz.
Bill Cahill