I'll take a look for the hot wires when I get home, for the record I don't believe the tuner or the amp are charged I'm pretty sure it's just the turntable.

I really want to use the original turntable because cosmetically it's in great shape and it would just be awesome to have this perfect piece of equipment.

As for the wheels being worn out, I accept that for the drive wheel. It doesn't seem too rigid but after some tinkering I got it to make contact with the turntable side and was listening to it slip away. Like I said though, I can push the lever in that the spring should be pulling in and the thing plays just fine.

As far as the tone arm wheel being worn out, it's not that... the problem lies in the actuation, I'll try giving all the joints a good lubrication.

Anyone know a good lubricant to use?

Likewise, anyone know the best way to clean the contacts? I was thinking sand paper or using tuner cleaner or both but I figure I could learn from your experiences.

Thanks for the responses so far.