Question for Juke Restorers

[Aahgo]

I am primarily a pinball collector, but I've always wanted to sprinkle in a few other coin-ops.  Last year I restored a Lacrosse bottle 7-up machine.  Now I would like to get a Juke.  I briefly owned a Rockola 1448 that I picked-up in unrestored condition for $500.  Unfortunately that deal fell through and left me wanting.  So here's the question...what are realistic expectations for availability and price for machines of this vintage (late 50's), and condition (unrestored, but basically complete).  I'm in the midwest area (Milwaukee).  Any advice appreciated.

Thanks,
Glenn.

[bcharlton]

Hi Glen,

I am strictly an amateur jukebox guy but I have restored 4 Seeburg 100 series.  If you decide you like the seeburg 100 family, I can help but I would encourage you to do it yourself.  I am completely an idiot when it comes to fixing stuff but with the right help, you can do it.  I just finished my seeburg 100b and it came out pretty nice.  Let me know if I can help.

Brian

[Kilroy]

Glenn,

Prices and  models run the gauntlet, but  with patience perseverance and a bit a luck  you can pick up a jukebox  for 500-$1100. Again, it depends on the model, condition,  demand, etc.

Seeburg and Wurlitzers are easiest to find parts for, and many are repopped.  Rockola and AMI  are hit and miss in terms of parts.
Keep in mind that  the first stereo jukebox didn't hit the market until 1959,  and yes, there is a sound difference. I'm not a music snob so I don't mind a good tune in hi-fidelity, but it is something to keep in mind.

There are many jukebox people  here, it's a natural  with a pop machine, so  ask away

[Aahgo]

Stereo would be nice, but not essential.  Manufacturer may not matter, kind of more depends on the look.  I think I can handle the restoration myself (he said with naive optimism) to keep the purchase price down.  Just not too sure where to look for decent project machines.  CL seems to just turn up bunch of 60's to 80's ho-hum boxes, CD machines, and very expensive already restored machines.  With pinballs, most of my finds are word of mouth from friends and other collectors.  Just don't know that many juke guys.  If anyone out there has something in the area, let me know.

Thanks,
Glenn.

[bcharlton]

Please do not buy a jukebox form the 1970s or 1980s.  I think you would be much happier with a "silver age" jukebox from 1950-1959.  The "visible mechanisms" makes them much more attractive.  You can spend under $1000 and get a good one to restore with all the parts.  I am partial to Seeburg because I was a huge Happy Days fan.

Just my .02

BC

[Aahgo]

Brian - no worries there.  I've got no interest in those era machines (unless it's one of those really cool faux wood grain consoles with the picture of a mandolin in the back!!).  I'm more of a chrome, glass, visible mechanism kind of a guy.

[mznb1u]

I agree with Kilroy and BC.  If you can hold out for one from the 50's I would do it.  I am partial to Seeburg's because that is what I have and those are the machines I remember from when I was a kid.  Keep an eye on Craigslist and something will pop up.  If you see something that you want move fast because there are people like Lloyd at Coinop Warehouse who are snapping up machines coast to coast.  That being said, Lloyd is a good source for parts and entire machines.  If you are on Facebook, you can like Coinop Warehouse as he posts finds for sale regularly.

Another good website to familiarize yourself with the different models is Pinball Rebel.  They have a pretty complete listing of jukeboxes with photos from all of the major manufacturers.

Good luck!

  Tim

PS:  This is a picture of mine from the day I picked it up.

[Kilroy]

Patience is a key. I've found most of my jukes on CL, I've bought only two on Ebay.

And spread the word to your collector friends and family you are looking for a juke. I've  been offered  arcade games when going out to look at a juke.  One is usually near the other.

[Aahgo]

New question...I've been looking and may have found something a few hours away...how do you move one of these?  Do they have to be moved upright, or can they be laid down?  Any chance one would fit in a minivan?  Or am I going to need to rent a truck?  Thanks.

[Larry]

The only console I have is a 1936 Mills.  It fit into my mini van.

Why don't you check out the jukebox show next week.  It's in St. Charles Illinois.  If you are in Milwaukee, you are a lot closer than most people that come to this show.  Come early morning on Friday.  Go scout around the parking lot.  Anything inside would generally be overpriced.  The show is $50.00 to go into the building on Friday.  Saturday is under $10.00 bucks.  Just hit the parking lot and leave with a juke.  Unless you have $50.00 to burn.  If you never saw it before, and you are already there, it would be worth it.  It's close to me so if I want to go inside, I come back on Saturday.

http://www.chicagolandshow.com/

[SIGNGUY]

Yes what Larry said, there are plenty of Project Jukeboxes available... some for amazing prices...

[Kilroy]

i've laid jukes down on their back, after making sure any transport bolts are   tightened down, the tonearm  is secured, and I remove the tubes

Will it fit in  your miniv an? Possibly. There are  numerous jukebox collector websites that give  the dimensions of the boxes, you can  check the measurements against your van. Remove the records ( yeah, you would think it's a no brainer) don't leave the keys in the locks,  etc

And yes, If I could go, the show next week would be a place to look.  Good luck.

[bcharlton]

I agree with Larry.  Also, by going to a show, you can see a ton of jukeboxes  at differect prices and condition.  If you end up with a Seeburg 100 series, I can help you with the project.

Brian

[Jacko1070]

Not to hijack the thread, but I have also been considering taking a leap into the juke pool..........

Any thoughts on this one?

http://boston.craigslist.org/bmw/atq/3700460192.html

[Kilroy]

Wurlitzer 2400 1960

The top castings had a nasty habit of breaking.  I personally like the backlit  front playing  record mech, looks great  if you put in a colored disk. Price is good,  but not sure what "temperamental" means   Side pictures  would be nice.

[SLIDER]

I have to agree with everyone else......Patience, There are GREAT deals out there.  I just picked up my Jukebox a month ago 51 Wurlitzer 1400 for $300 Only thing missing was 3 tubes which I was able to find on ebay with no problem. Got her all lite up and playing records already.  Just one week after that I got a lead on a real nice old pinball machine, ended up coming home with two of them again, it was a deal of lifetime!!     It all started with my old car. Then oil cans, and displays, then came the signs. ..those awful wonderful old signs you just cannot live with out, then came the big dog!  THE GAS PUMP RESTO, and of course the globe, then it finally came the ol Ideal 55 slider last summer when i discovered this board. Then the old penny scale, and the lubster, then this incredible popcorn machine i fell completly in love with!!  santa also brought a Du grainger tab gum machine.  Now the Jukebox, and now the two pinball machines         When does it stop   when does it go away       
Hey if your in Milwaukee, im just North of you here in West Bend. I drove 5.5 hours to Michigan for the Juke, and 3.5 hours to Lacroose for the pinballs.. Any help you need im 20 minutes away!  Good luck on your search. There is a real nice Wurlitzer 1400 like mine on Ebay now. Current bid was $250  but its in PENN.

[Larry]

It's an addiction.  Good thing we can't shoot these machines into our veins.  Talk about clogged arteries.

I'm at the point where I ran out of room and I have an overflow problem.  I would love a Seeburg 100 or 200.  I just will have to sell something off one day......wonder what I can get for the wife?

[Aahgo]

Thanks guys.  I am planning on going to the show.  I usually hit the spring show every year but I go on Saturdays to get inside.  My impressions are the stuff inside is too pricey, and on Saturdays the outside stuff seems pretty picked over.  I have picked up a good pinball deal here and there. Maybe I'll think about doing the Friday thing if I can get off work.

The other problem I have with the show is, being a Juke noob, I'm a little afraid of being taken advantage of.  Is there a top ten list of things to look for?

Slider, I'm in Hartford, so even closer.  I'm mostly pins, some neons, one soda machine, and now trying for the juke.  Hopefully it stops there....

[Kilroy]

Depends on what you are looking for.  The  jukes of the 1930's and 40's are very ornate, art deco,  but  only play 78's.  Personally, Big Band is a  favorite of mine, so it's  a not a kill factor.
Most people prefer   the jukes of the 50's and early 60's. Lots of chrome , lots of style. And the visible record mech is a plus factor. Drawback, stero wasn't introduced until 1960. Records will still play,
Later  jukes don't have the  looks  in my opinion,  but if you are more concerned about having   a lot of music  than  good lucks, late 60's up to the 1980's can be had for a few hundred  dollars.

[SLIDER]

I agree 100% Kilroy,  Love BIG BAND also.  Set the 1400 up for 78s and have began the original 78 Big Band record hunt (should be fun)

First find was Moonlight Serenade by Glenn!  Had to be!

[MoonDawg]

       This guy probably has parts someone needs.

  http://ventura.craigslist.org/clt/3711435509.html  

  http://ventura.craigslist.org/clt/3711497779.html 

[BrianS]

Moondog,

That ad was a real shame.  Who stores classic coin op machines outside under a tarp?  The juke is actually a model 1428 although the ad says its a 1426.  Wouldn't mind having the coin mech and the ribbed center plastic.  Looks like he had a pretty complete machine at one time.  Too bad.

[Creighton]

Well it's Ventura, CA. Beautiful weather year round.
Glen, 3 days of rain and two days below 65 pretty much the norm?
Looks like the sun pretty well trashed the bowler playfield.
Creighton

[SLIDER]

Sights like that make me cringe.......    what a waste!!!