Can I lay a 3100 and 3210 on their back or side?

[six9gs]

I have both a 3100 and 3210 'project' Wurlitzers. Neither rolls very well or easily and I'm getting to move. I need to be able to roll these up the ramp on a UHaul truck. I'd like to replace the rollers on the bottom and can't think of any practical way to do that except to either lay them down on their backs or sides. My question is, Can I without doing significant damage? It seems logical when looking at them that it isn't a good idea. I get that. But, I'm not sure if it is possible without removing some of the internal mechanisms. Any guidance would be helpful!!

[Ron Rich]

Hi Terry,
Sure you "can"--but I surly would not, if not "locked down for shipment" ! Did you read our FAQ's ?? On a WurliTzer of that type, I would lock down the mechanism shelf using the two (hopefully still there) lock down, "locking bolts", on the mech. shelf. If not there any more, you must remove the mechanism ! If you do lay it down after securing it, the tone arm must first also be secured (the spring tends to escape, when not secured). Other then that, see the FAQs for further advise. Ron Rich

[six9gs]

Jul 4, 2019 17:33:18 GMT Ron Rich said:

Hi Terry,
Sure you "can"--but I surly would not, if not "locked down for shipment" ! Did you read our FAQ's ?? On a WurliTzer of that type, I would lock down the mechanism shelf using the two (hopefully still there) lock down, "locking bolts", on the mech. shelf. If not there any more, you must remove the mechanism ! If you do lay it down after securing it, the tone arm must first also be secured (the spring tends to escape, when not secured). Other then that, see the FAQs for further advise. Ron Rich

Ron, Thanks so much for the information. After your suggestion, I read the post in the FAQ about moving a jukebox. But, I'm glad you provided the extra information about my specific jukeboxes that weren't in the FAQ. While the post provided some useful information, I was concerned it possibly did not provide the specific information I might need that was applicable to my specific jukeboxes.
If I thought I could wrestle them up and down the ramp with the current rollers, I would simply do that. I am also considering lifting them onto a furniture dolly, except I did when I loaded one of them while I was originally transporting it to my place. I found, in that instance, things were pretty unstable. But, that was a small dolly and perhaps if I used a regular sized furniture dolly it would work better. Anyway, I was a dummy and didn't even think about looking in the service manuals (I have them for both jukeboxes) regarding moving them.

Anyway, gonna explore it with the new information you provided. I am unsure if the locking bolts are present or not. I'll have to look. And, also going to see what the service manual has to say. But, securing the locking bolts and the tonearm in new information and I appreciate your sharing it with me.

Regards,

Terry!

PS. Life has gotten in the way, so reviving, restoring my jukeboxes has been placed on a cold back burner. However, when I was planning on this move and considering getting rid of them due to their size, weight and difficulty to move, it didn't take me long to realize I really did not want to part with them and regardless of the added complications they create. I'm keeping them. Someday I'll get around to tinkering with them. I know these models of the old 45 Wurlitzers are not considered some of the better ones. But, I like the idea of an older 45s jukebox instead of a CD jukebox. I'm not an anti-digital audiophile, But I do prefer the analog electronics and mechanical stuff of this basic vintage to the newer digital and computerized technology. And well, I have them and look forward to tinkering with them and hopefully getting them working someday. I just think they are cool and will bring me much joy reviving and putzing on them, even if I never actually get them to work.
 

[Ron Rich]

Hi Terry,
Please post any info you can dig up in the FAQs ! I am not a WurliTzer "expert", and did not want to get into the various model differences there --I do know the 31-32-3300 series phono's fairly well, and IMHO, they are the three most, bestious, models, WurliTzer ever made !
Ron Rich

[six9gs]

I've scoured the service manuals and found absolutely no instructions about moving the jukeboxes. IDK, these Wurlitzer Service Manuals are quite different from the numerous different service manuals I've used before on things on other electronic and mechanical things. They assume you know how the jukebox works and only gives you troubleshooting, repair and replacement kinds of information. It does have a section showing various sequences of things, but there is no portion that has anything much to do with how it all works. I figure it assumes you've been to their training, understand how the machine operates and only gives targeted repair and troubleshooting information. That said, it does appear the detail and richness of what information it does provide is very good. But, if you are approaching it from an, 'I want to learn how this thing is supposed to operate' perspective, it seems to almost completely lack that information. It seems that in the section that provides the sequence of events type information that the sequences shown are given in the order of the sequential operations from when a coin is dropped until it has played all selections and goes back into its 'rest' mode. However, I can't verify for sure if that is true, haven't had a chance to match up the operations with the sequence of events diagrams it provides.
Anyway, the manuals are only sections about the individual assemblies, the electronics wiring and schematic information and then a troubleshooting chart. It never addresses the jukebox as a whole.

Anyway, on this forum and other similar places it seems folks are always talking about other brands of Jukeboxes and not Wurlitzers, unless it is the very old 78 RPM models. From that I had just kind of deduced that the late 60's Wurlitzer 45 models aren't very popular and assumed that is because they haven't held up very well and folks don't want them. Once again IDK, I just made some assumptions. Thanks for your feedback about my jukeboxes.

In the mean time, I have collected about 250 45's for use. Still cataloging them so I can see what I have. But, I 'washed' them in a wet wash cleaner thingy and am amazed at how that improved the quality of their sound. I have a really nice Kenwood turntable from the 80's (when I bought it). I intend on digitally recording them all before I actually use them in my jukebox.

Terry!

[Ron Rich]

Hi Terry,
The "Service Manuals" were written with the thought that operator's service personal, would attend at least one "Factory Service School", per year. I worked for Seeburg, and taught many of them either with a factory rep., or, many times by myself. I also "snuck into" many of the WurliTzer run schools. The WurliTzer crew and I, along with the AMi, guys, always maintained a good relationship, even when management frowned on it !
Seeburg wrote an Information & Operation" (I & O)manual for all their post WW2 models. Some were called maintenance manuals, but all contained the "tie-down" info -- I think WurliTzer did the same, but I'm not sure-- Ron Rich

[six9gs]

Update: After fiddling around a bit with the existing rollers, I've determined they work well enough that I don't think I need to replace them to roll them on and off a UHaul truck. Additionally, there are 2 bolts on each side of the top carriage assemblage thingy. That whole assembly is normally suspended with springs. I tightened up the two bolts and now the carriages sit securely in their place. I also used some zip ties to carefully hold the tonearm from being able to work loose and go anywhere. My best guess is that they are as ready to load and travel as I can figure out. I, fortunately, didn't need to tip either onto their side or back.

Thanks for your advice Ron Rich, you are appreciated!!!!

Terry!