Just Acquired a Wurlitzer 2204 - Before I Plug It In!!!

[SgtMajor]

New to forum. New to vintage jukebox ownership.  Thanks in advance for any help you folks can provide.

I recently accepted a Wurlitzer 2204 Console JB in lieu of payment for renovating a friend's antique French armoire.  With it, I also received a box of extra parts, tubes, a service manual, etc.  It appears completely intact if only dusty/dirty and with expectable dings and scratches.  While I could post and flip the old girl the real me is whispering in my ear that I should refurbish her.  I'm confident that my mechanical/electrical/refurb skills are good enough to accomplish the job but as my subject line infers, I don't even want to plug her in to a power outlet without seeking advice from folks like ya'll on possible pre-power and/or overall inspection tips.

I would greatly appreciate any advice or information that anyone can send my way.  Thanks in advance for the assist.

T. Bryant
Sergeant Major, MARINES (Ret) 

[phillg]

Welcome to the forum!

Personally I'm a rebel, I have a tendency to just plug things in and see what happens. With my more recent purchase (Seebug Model 100B), that "thing" was a buzzing sound then great big bang - fortunately that turned out to be a very old power cord arcing then finally exploding apart. Never seen one do that before but I guess there has to be a first time for everything.

Anyway, before turning it on I would probably check for a few things:
- Check for free movement of the record rack (it should turn easily) and turntable
- Check for lubrication of the most basic moving parts (turntable, lift arm bearings, anything else load-bearing)
- Check for heavy dust on tubes, etc. (smells bad and can be a fire risk)
- Check for any visibly leaking caps
- Check to see if a previous owner has performed some DIY wiring (bare wires, frayed wires, etc.)
- Remove anything that shouldn't be in the cabinet (paper, air fresheners, etc.)

There are stickies in the forum (look in FAQ also) for information on lubrication, follow that advice!

After that, double-check that the power cord is safe then cross your fingers, plug it in and see what happens!

Phill