Hi Les,  If there is a piece of wire going from the movable 'fishing
pole' arm (or 'jigger') to the spindle (or 'friction roller shaft'),
that's at least part of the problem.  The material that belongs in that
'space' is a 9-1/2" piece of cord.  In a pinch you can use heavy duty
cotton thread, but the best material is the woven type of cord that is
used in the tuning dial apparatus of older radios.

What might be missing is the wire clamp that is suppose to be connected
to the end of the jigger.  This clamp has a small hole in the bottom
(opposite the set screw that holds it to the jigger) where the cord is
attached.

The Gulbransen Service Manual is available online at:

https://www.buysecure.com/playercare/reprints.html#gulbransen

Musically,

John A. Tuttle