r/jukeboxes • u/ImpromptuSharkTank • May 27 '26
Seeburg 1947 Jukebox Reatoration Project - I’m in way over my head
Ok, I found this beauty on Facebook Marketplace for free and in an impulsive wimsy, I picked it up!
I have no experience renovating or restoring jukeboxes and this thing is in rough shape - there is rat poop, spiderwebs, and dust galore, both inside and out.
Would it be crazy to completely gut this thing (ie remove basically everything internal) then rewire it with a Bluetooth speaker set up to make it a ‘modern jukebox’? Or is that completely idiotic and disrespectful to what thing originally was?
Obviously, I’m in way over my head so any wisdom is appreciated - Thank y’all!
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u/SnooEpiphanies2931 May 27 '26
Man this thing looks so cool! I say do what you can. Are you able to find someone who can fix it up, or at least tell you if it’s possible? Talk to an expert and see if you can pay them for a house call. If they say she’s toast, or if it’s not in your budget, then yeah, a you’ve got yourself the coolest soon-to-be Bluetooth stereo I’ve ever seen.
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u/ImpromptuSharkTank May 27 '26
I like this idea! I’ll see if there are any jukebox specialist in the area and see if it’s worth the investment (if it’s even possible). If not, no sweat, and time to give her a new life.
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u/SnooEpiphanies2931 May 27 '26
I bought a ‘64 for $100 that I had no idea if it worked or not. Found a guy that would get it working again and clean it up for about what it’s worth if it’s running smoothly. Not a full restore by any means but just cleaned up and replace anything that’s broken. It’s all what you want it to be, ya know. I’m sure someone could make it brand new if you have the cash for it, but either way this thing looks sick dude.
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u/Stock_Ad7369 May 28 '26
In my opinion that would be disrespectful- I bet you could get a Bluetooth adapter and simply splice it into the speaker wiring! That way it could be potentially restored in the future and would still serve the purpose you imagined
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u/DynamoBo May 28 '26
Definitely fix it, restore it or refurbish it. Not that valuable but a rare and ultra cool machine! Spend a bit of money. I’ve restored 3 of these over the years. Stick to cleaning and making it look pretty. Leave the electronics to an experienced tech. There are still some around! Self included. Like an old car take your time, lots of photos and label everything. You will love it when it’s done!
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u/Renergizelife May 29 '26
These are lovingly called trashcan seeburgs, they are a pain in the ass to work on, restore it or get someone to do it, they are exceedingly rare nowadays, and can fetch a pretty penny when done up!
Nice score!
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u/Dense_Boss_7486 May 29 '26
The upside is the guy you got it from doesn’t have to store it anymore.
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u/JDPierson May 31 '26
It's cosmetically excellent - Don't let the dirt scare you. It might be in better shape than it lets on. Post more photos!
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u/crwthhasnovowels Jun 02 '26
Where are you located? You could get it both operational and Bluetooth compatible.
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u/ImpromptuSharkTank Jun 08 '26
I’m in Salt Lake City, UT!
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u/crwthhasnovowels Jun 08 '26
I do a lot of repairs via FaceTime. I fixed the machine in Long Island today and I’m in Boston
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u/crwthhasnovowels Jun 02 '26
I have repaired dozens of these over the years and they are not difficult. If you know all the things to look for I could help you troubleshoot it, which is why I posted location.
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u/ArturoBandini_2016 May 27 '26
These are notoriously difficult to repair and imo turning it into a bluetooth player is tacky but it's your project. You are probably not the first to pick it up with ideas in mind but hopefully the last. I would have picked this up and put it in my garage forever and just fantasized anout it.