Chuckelator - 1st want to thank you for this thread, I have refound old TT's and have been sucked in after pulling out of the attic my older Thorns TD160 that I have had since collage 35yrs ago. After doing research, a great site for this is the analog dept. - strong following for Thorns, I rebuilt the TD160 with the birch plywood base - but I added aluminum banding to cover this detail, damping the inners and then most impt - installing an older SME3009 ll arm on the original SME arm board. Had to cut some of the steel sub base to fit this in, but the final looks and sound is great. Then rewired the SME arm with Cardas tonearm wire to cardas RCA jacks mounted on the back side( very impt). redid the power wiring to the standard male output so a new power cord can be used, footers to raise and level the table. The motor was in great condition - no noise. This TT has great focus, depth and soundstage. I was so impressed I have purchased two more TD160's ( to make one ) and another SME arm.
So things happen in three's - on ebay last month a AR ES1 TT came up - totally perfect, inc the plexglass cover - not even a ding. So for this project I found on AG a Black Widow tonearm ( always wanted one ) that I am fitting to the AR. I am getting motor noise from the hearst motor and will probably replace this with the new 22vac motor/power supply from the Soundofthewood.com Another great site for AR is Vinylenirvana. The fun part is the rebuilding and to show others how well these old TT's can sound.
There is a downside - prices. I wanted a TD124 but on ebay this can go over $1200 - 1500 before you spend a bunch to rebuild. Art Dudley( Stereophile ) has made a big deal this year in his purchase of a TD124 and his new love with this table. This is where the TD160 for $100-200 can be a best buy, lots were made. Older AR's are harder to find. The SME 3009 arms are also inflated. You have to pick and choose to find the right price.
No matter what you do, if you have the tools and skills, the tables can sound good and really look great - have fun.
Bruce