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My new GTE 120 project

Started by DARK FATHER, August 12, 2017, 06:20:19 PM

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DARK FATHER

I found a shamrock green pay phone on eBay that I bought for $9.99 since there were no other bidders. I knew it was missing some parts when I ordered it (which is fine with me) and I am preparing to build my own pay phone now. I have wanted to do this for years. It is the typical metal shell with only the upper and lower halves, keypad, coin acceptor, front plate, coin return lever, receiver, and cradle, vault door, vault lower lock, and coin return slot.
I have been studying as to what kind of electronic circuit boards and internal workings I must install in it, and have written them down for later reference. (I noticed online some sort of kit that allows you to turn it into a non coin-receiving phone.) I have also been studying how the locks in it work and have ordered two sets of locks complete with keys to install in this.
I was very lucky that this thing did not come all locked up with no keys because I have it completely open and apart now (it had no upper lock and the lower one was not locked so I removed it). Curiously though the lower lock that locks the coin vault door is a type I have not seen online yet. It uses a cylindrical shaped key, and since keys are impossible to get made for these this convinced me that I should order a new lock with proper keys. I ordered a MEDECO upper and lower set complete with keys.  So my long-awaited Payphone building project has finally begun and I am quite excited. Has anyone else on here built their own starting with mostly a shell? 

http://imageshack.com/a/img922/7358/GjCegL.jpg

mentalstampede

I did: http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=18044.0


The most important piece is the chassis. To make it complete you'll need a coin mech, a trigger switch, a hopper, and a relay. But it'll work as a phone with just a chassis board.
My name is Kenn, and I like telephones.

"Progress isn't made by early risers. It's made by lazy men trying to find easier ways to do something." --Robert Heinlein

DARK FATHER

#2
Here is what it looks like with some new exterior parts.  I have not decided yet which board to use yet, smart, or dumb.

http://imageshack.com/a/img924/296/c7Exp3.jpg

compubit

Keep us in the loop! 

I've wanted a pay phone for a while, but haven't gotten enough gumption (or money right now) to get one.  For me, though, it needs to be the right one...

Looking forward to the status as you rebuild!

J
A phone phanatic since I was less than 2 (thanks to Fisher Price); collector since a teenager; now able to afford to play!
Favorite Phone: Western Electric Trimline - it just feels right holding it up to my face!

DARK FATHER

Quote from: compubit on August 28, 2017, 10:00:14 PM
Keep us in the loop! 

I've wanted a pay phone for a while, but haven't gotten enough gumption (or money right now) to get one.  For me, though, it needs to be the right one...

Looking forward to the status as you rebuild!

J

Oh, I have every intention of keeping everyone posted!  And I am not exactly rich either, but I bought this off of Ebay for $9.99!  I am in the process of buying parts from a very nice board member now.  Maybe on Ebay there is such a deal for you too!

HarrySmith

Patience can pay off! $9.99 for a payphone is pretty good! I watched Craigs List for months and finally found a WE payphone there. I paid $40.00 for it! Mostly complete. I posted it to FOTM here:
http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=5892.msg71785#msg71785
Harry Smith
ATCA 4434
TCI

"There is no try,
there is only
do or do not"

DARK FATHER

Quote from: HarrySmith on August 29, 2017, 03:19:44 PM
Patience can pay off! $9.99 for a payphone is pretty good! I watched Craigs List for months and finally found a WE payphone there. I paid $40.00 for it! Mostly complete. I posted it to FOTM here:
http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=5892.msg71785#msg71785

That is a neat phone Harry!  Saw those around as a child. Is it easy to find parts for?

HarrySmith

Thanks. Yes, there are plenty of guys with parts. A few here and always plenty on eBay. I do not have a place to display it so it is just waiting it's turn in the to do pile, I have not done anything to it since I got it.
Harry Smith
ATCA 4434
TCI

"There is no try,
there is only
do or do not"

DARK FATHER

#8
And here is the phone booth kiosk that I just brought home today for this project. Had to saw it loose with a battery operated Sawzall and it is now mine.

http://imageshack.com/a/img922/8884/1dmh75.jpg