Rock Ola 1946 Conversion to 45s

[lukew]

Hello, I am new to maintaining a jukebox.  My grandpa was a jukebox enthusiast and was constantly repairing and restoring them my whole life.  Unfortunately, in April my Grandpa passed away.  My Grandpa left behind a few jukeboxes and I was fortunate to inherit a 1946 Rock Ola.   The jukebox is in good condition but needs some minor cleanup and repair which I think I can handle.  My dad always said that my grandpa had at one point converted this jukebox to play 45s.  And I think there might be parts to do so.   Can anyone give me some tips on what I need to do to do so?  I think it would be great to have some modern music that my daughters would want to play!  My grandpa would love that! 

[Hildegard]

If I understand right you've inherited a 1422 which actually plays 78 rpm records. But you would prefer it playing 45 rpm records.
You say " ...that my grandpa had at one point converted this jukebox to play 45s".
So it is already converted to 45 rpm?

If not, you would need at least a new motor to make 45 rpm, adapter rings for each record tray, either a new needle or a new cartridge with needle for 45 rpm. Adjustments for the tonearm would needed to be done too.

If you are not sure how your 1422 is set up these days, maybe some photos would help.

Hildegard

[lukew]

Thanks, Hildegard. Yes, you are correct, I would like the jukebox to play 45s. It is currently playing 78s. I did get a box of color inserts for the tubes that rotate on the front of the jukebox. Also, in that box were what I believe are the adapter rings for each record tray. Sounds like I have to do some additional research on the other parts.

[lukew]

Now if I could only figure out how to upload photos of the jukebox. Do you need pictures of the inside for or just an exterior pic?

[lukew]

Hildegard,

I don't know how to upload photos, but I have verified it is a series 1422 as you assumed.  

Do you know of any additional resources I could use to start researching the conversion to 45s?

Thanks, 
Luke

[Hildegard]

Hi Luke,

sorry for the late reply.

Photos can't be attached here directly. You would need to upload them to a separate image hoster (dropbox or similar) and then link to them.
Sorry, I do not know a source for sure for researching for more information about how to convert the 1422 to play 45 pm.

I think I have to correct my post from Oct 29th.
You would not need a new mtor, but a new gear for 45 rpm. It is available here: victoryglass.com/product/rock-ola-1422-1426-1428-45-rpm-60-cycle-conversion-gear-set-usa/
Then wou will need an adapter ring for each 45 rpm record.
45 rpm records have a large center hole while the original turntable for 78 rpms has a thin tip only. So either you have an adapter (center puck) which can be put on the original turntable or adapter rings which have clips mounted for 45 rpms. Those trays can be seen at Victory Glass to: victoryglass.com/product/black-flocked-aluminum-record-tray-with-45-rpm-installed-brass-clips/
Then check which cartridge is installed. If it is still the original one, then you need a new one with tip for 45 rpms. If it already has an Astatic 51-2 cartridge, then the needle can be swapped for one for 45s.
Set down and cut-off have to be adjusted new.
Also tonearm tracking weight might need a new adjustment too.

I think that's all to do, but I am not 100% sure.