This RCA 70-D transcription turntable has become a boneyard beast, looking for a good home and a complete restoration. Since its initial use in 1948, this two speed turntable has suffered abuse from DJ's and engineers in a rush. The motor runs and the turntable turns, so the project begins with cleaning and bringing the original wiring back to factory specs. See the first set of pictues. This is what it looked like on the first day home.
Still On The Truck
What A Mess
After removing the rats nest from below, cleanup began on the deck. Each piece was carefully removed, cleaned and polished. The old worn felt was removed and the platter cleaned for some new felt. The black deck came from a flat black, to a mirror shiny surface. The rim of the platter is going to be repainted and the 12" tone arm will be replaced with one 16 inches. Notice the shine on the deck and metal trim.
Shiny Trim
Shiny Deck 1
Shiny Deck 2
Cleaning under the platter was a must. This unit was equipped with the cutting lathe attachment, resulting in years of cutting material wound around the shaft and bearings. Wiring inside the cabinet was an engineers nightmare. Pieces of zip cord was used to extend wires and things were generally changed around to suit the needs of the times. All the wiring has been put back to the original design.
Platter Well
Platter
Audio Filter
The next two steps are two fold. The cabinet is going to be completely strpped and repainted with the original RCA umber gray and a search for missing parts begins. In order to complete the turntable, it will need three black switch knobs, a switch plate for the filter switch and a 16 inch tone arm. If you have these parts, or would like some help with your 70-D, please contact me through the "Contact Us" link.
More will be added to this page as progress is made.
If you need the original manual for the 70-D, it's here for the taking. Go ahead, it's FREE.
