This is yet another example why the customer should leave things alone. About two years ago, I serviced this mid '60's RCA solid state console stereo for a customer (recap, control cleaning, changer service, etc). For it to be a smaller stereo, it performed well.

A few days ago, the owner called to say that the function select switch on the record changer had broken and that he tried to make a piece to replace it. He also hosed it down with contact cleaner. Now, the changer is totally dead.

To me, these RCA record changers from this time period seemed cheaply made; so, if I can't find another RCA changer very soon, I'll likely replace it with a VM record changer (provided I can do the conversion without it looking sloppy). The VM changer would probably be an improvement. The changer I'll likely use is a '68 VM that uses a Tetrad cartridge and was removed from a NOS Packard-Bell console with a water damaged cabinet.

Actually, the owner asked me how much it would cost to replace the record changer and then he admitted to messing up the old one.

Here's some pictures of the stereo, the old changer, and the VM changer that may be used as a replacement.

http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/ff341/radiotvnut/rca004.jpg

I have a RCA console from '68, and I agree that the changers were cheaply made at that time.

This is yet another example why the customer should leave things alone. About two years ago, I serviced this mid '60's RCA solid state console stereo for a customer (recap, control cleaning, changer service, etc). For it to be a smaller stereo, it performed well.

A few days ago, the owner called to say that the function select switch on the record changer had broken and that he tried to make a piece to replace it. He also hosed it down with contact cleaner. Now, the changer is totally dead.

To me, these RCA record changers from this time period seemed cheaply made; so, if I can't find another RCA changer very soon, I'll likely replace it with a VM record changer (provided I can do the conversion without it looking sloppy). The VM changer would probably be an improvement. The changer I'll likely use is a '68 VM that uses a Tetrad cartridge and was removed from a NOS Packard-Bell console with a water damaged cabinet.

Actually, the owner asked me how much it would cost to replace the record changer and then he admitted to messing up the old one.

Here's some pictures of the stereo, the old changer, and the VM changer that may be used as a replacement.

http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/ff341/radiotvnut/rca004.jpg

That new changer is exactly what I've been looking for in another thread. How much would that cost in a plinth/base or some sort?

Depends on where you get it. www.thevoiceofmusic.com has NOS refurbished changers with bases and covers; but, I don't know how much they are. If you were to find a VM changer from an old console, you could always buy a base to mount it in.