The turntable chassis needs to be restored. All parts for example the motor should be disassembled and cleaned with specific care. The motor bearing needs to be cleaned of all old oil and grease then oiled again with good quality oil especially suited to this bearing system. At the end on the cleaning and reassembling on the parts, the motor is dramatically less busy and works more stable. The main platter bearing really should be disassembled, cleaned and restored. Several components might be replaced: the thrust bearing plate (could be replaced using a thicker one created from bronze), the paper oil gasket plus the bearing bottom plate. The new main platter bearing must be oiled rich in quality oil developing a viscosity which accommodates a large temperature band. The result on the bearing restoration is often a more stable and smooth rotation, less mechanical noise and also a system which can be perfectly sealed.
All parts crafted from rubber (idler wheel, drive belt, rubber decoupling mushrooms, motor suspension dampers) is usually meticulously cleaned using only warm water and soap avoiding the usage of any solvent which may have altered the elasticity with the rubber. This careful cleaning process allowed us to preserve the existing parts. In fact you do not have to replace them because they work equally well as brand new ones would.
The switch suppressor condenser needs to be replaced.
The big and massive plinth with super damping abilities is particularly important because of the power with the Thorens TD 124 chassis. The best material with the plinth can be a birch plywood. 5 to 6 layers of 21 – 24 mm each may be glued with polyurethane glue that gives additional damping properties towards the plinth. I am using following unique procedure: 14 cavities were dug inside with the wood body and filled up with a mix of lead balls, sand and glue. This technique adds mass for the structure hence holding, dampens parasitic resonances and vibration without losing the natural harmonic richness of analogue instrument. It also balances the weight with the entire player. The plinth may be finished having a Rosewood, Mahogany and other veneer. for making the plinth seems like a piece of art you may varnish it with 12 successive layers and thoroughly polish using premium surface coatings.
The whole structure should be carried by spike feet. The spikes allow you to isolate the gear from external vibrations inside environment.