Locked out of AMI Rowe mm-3

[Burrilliance]

So I recently bought a Rowe mm-3 that the previous owners had lost the key. In my excitement of getting it home, I just decided to try to drill out the lock (ugh).

After some time of getting no closer,  I looked up and did end up ordering the original key. So it helped a little, but I'd cleared out some of the lock and now I just cannot (!) get the damn thing open.

I did manage to get the left side latch undone, and it sounds like when the key turns (or my screwdriver), that it is unhitching the other side too, but it just won't budge.

I am running out of ideas but obviously trying to do as little permanent damage as possible. I debated trying to open an area in the back wood part to see if I could get in, or even smash the glass and order a new one.

Any ideas are appreciated, so excited to get working on the restoration.

I'll try to add pictures shortly. Thanks in advance!!

Burr

[jukeboxmarty]

Yikes, you didn't do yourself a favor here!

At this point, how far are you able to rotate the lock cylinder? Maybe you can rotate is further?

Smashing the glass is the worst idea.

[Burrilliance]

Thanks for responding!
The glass was a last resort. I got 1 side unlocked but in the same moment I managed to get the other side unlocked, the previous one slide back in. But good news is after about 3 hours, I got em both open.
Looking at it from inside, the bolt assembly had rusted some and I couldn't force it at all. So glad I got in but already overwhelmed with the amount of work its gonna take. Took me about an hour to get all the mouse shit out of it (had been stored in a barn.) At least the lights still work and the 45's look ok.

[jukeboxmarty]

Great!

Is this your first jukebox?

Now the real fun begins.

[Burrilliance]

Yep, first one.
Have an old pinball machine which I tinkered with too and seems like mostly the same idea.
Needless to say, I have a short window to restore as my wife absolutely fucking hates it.
Only thing saving it from disappearing while I am asleep is that its 400 lbs.

[jukeboxmarty]

Well, if it's causing too much of a problem you can always get rid of it...

That will allow you to work on your jukebox in peace!