Hello ~ I have one of those nifty RCA 45 record changers from the 1950's. The rubber lined offset idler wheel that drives and activates the change cycle has become brittle and hard and (appearantly) has shrunk so that it doen't do it's job properly. I keep seeing references to "reconditioned rubber" and "renued rubber idlers". QUESTION: Can anyone advise me on what the procedure for this is and what chemical or product is involved? THANKS!

: Hello ~ I have one of those nifty RCA 45 record changers from the 1950's. The rubber lined offset idler wheel that drives and activates the change cycle has become brittle and hard and (appearantly) has shrunk so that it doen't do it's job properly. I keep seeing references to "reconditioned rubber" and "renued rubber idlers". QUESTION: Can anyone advise me on what the procedure for this is and what chemical or product is involved? THANKS!

Dave,,
i've read that somewhere before as well..
i have a J45 (if thats what you have) and it's just as well to get new ones from West Tech Services..
they are less that $10 if i recall...
at least they had them last year...

Thanks for the tip.....I agree....I'd much rather buy one than 'work' on one! *S*
Question: I thought I'd researched all the RCA 45 players; Never heard of a J45; which one is that?

btw: I realize now that I mistakenly refered to the part as an idler, but it's actually the 'CYCLING CAM'.

: Thanks for the tip.....I agree....I'd much rather buy one than 'work' on one! *S*
: Question: I thought I'd researched all the RCA 45 players; Never heard of a J45; which one is that?

: btw: I realize now that I mistakenly refered to the part as an idler, but it's actually the 'CYCLING CAM'.

It's a 45-J2..,sorry..i have a dyslexic memory when it comes to all the model #'s..
here

I think norm has posted the west tech phone down there somewhere...

:
: : Thanks for the tip.....I agree....I'd much rather buy one than 'work' on one! *S*
: : Question: I thought I'd researched all the RCA 45 players; Never heard of a J45; which one is that?

: : btw: I realize now that I mistakenly refered to the part as an idler, but it's actually the 'CYCLING CAM'.

: It's a 45-J2..,sorry..i have a dyslexic memory when it comes to all the model #'s..
: click here

West Tech
941-471-0922
The Rca cycler wheel is $8.00 + $1.25 shipping

: :
: : : Thanks for the tip.....I agree....I'd much rather buy one than 'work' on one! *S*
: : : Question: I thought I'd researched all the RCA 45 players; Never heard of a J45; which one is that?

: : : btw: I realize now that I mistakenly refered to the part as an idler, but it's actually the 'CYCLING CAM'.

: : It's a 45-J2..,sorry..i have a dyslexic memory when it comes to all the model #'s..
: : click here

: West Tech
: 941-471-0922
: The Rca cycler wheel is $8.00 + $1.25 shipping

: FYI, there is an ey2 on e bay right now that has a bid of $151....

Pete ~~
thanks again. I called West Tech and they advised me to send my 'wheel' in to them for resurfacing.
I pryed a bit of info out of the guy at West Tech....
He said that they either;
a. recondition the existing rubber (if it's not to badly damaged)..... OR
b. replace the rubber entirely (if it's wore severly).

A technician once told me, long ago, that there was a product (a fluid?) that one purchased and applied to the rubber that caused it to regain it's flexibility and form. I wonder if that product still exists, and if not, what was the active ingredient?
Who Knows?
Buy hey! I can wait to get my player working again!
What a fun little machine. BYE/

: If your idler/cam is still intact you could
: resurface by mounting it on a drill press or
: lathe. Then re-round it using a sanding block
: or mounted file (lower the high spots) to restore
: roundness. Then attach an apropriatly sized
: O-Ring or belt with Krazy Glue
: This will give you a new 'live' surface.
: West-Tech is easier, and probably just as cheap.

Dear sir,

I Have a RCA Vitrola "45-EY-3"

Where Can I get a new rubber ring for the Cycling Cam? I already cut the old rubber off the metal disc!

RCA 45rpm Record Players Repaired/Rebuilt
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