TOT: Replacement springs and e-clips?

[Paul D Smith]

Quite the opposite of digital but I know there are a few of you here also
deal in 'old stuff' so perhaps someone can help?

I've recently purchased a couple of reel-to-reel tape players and I'm
getting them back into working order. Apart from worn out belts (readily
available still!) I've come across a few worn out e-clips (those circlips
with three prongs that hold small axles etc in place) and weakened springs.

Can anyone recommend a supplier of such things as replacement parts for the
tape decks? I'm investigating eBay but I really don't need a "selection of
e-clips" including a couple of small ones plus some 25mm sized clips! A
selection from 1.5mm to 5mm would be far more in keeping with the problem.

Thanks,
Paul DS

PS. Anyone else come across rubber bands which, instead of going hard turn
into almost molten rubber? Cleaning them off the pulleys has not been fun!

[Brian Gaff]

Oh yes, even pressure rollers that do the same and end up as a gloopy puddle
on the deck beneath. Neal Cassette deck with Wollensack mechanism.

I'm also looking for those little plastic springy washer things shoved over
tape spindles for not allowing the hubs to fall off. A denon Cassette deck
is the main issue right now.
Talking real to real, I have a tandberg 3341 in need of tlc. anyone fix
these at a cost that does not mean a remortgage, or are they just scrap. Not
sure if the electronics ar ok but the mechanics are not good, belt and
lubrication brakes etc issues.
Brian

--
From the Sofa of Brian Gaff Reply address is active
"Paul D Smith" <paul_d...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:lig37h$pla$1...@dont-email.me...

[Jim Lesurf]

In article <lig37h$pla$1...@dont-email.me>, Paul D Smith

<paul_d...@hotmail.com> wrote:

> I've recently purchased a couple of reel-to-reel tape players and I'm
> getting them back into working order.

What models?

> PS. Anyone else come across rubber bands which, instead of going hard
> turn into almost molten rubber? Cleaning them off the pulleys has not
> been fun!

I've had similar problems with my Tandbergs and with a Ferrograph. The
'rubber' eventually turns to goo, or 'leaks a liquid' and becomes like
chocolate cookie! Not good for pinch-wheels or pullieys! :-/ So I'll be
interested in any answers here.

Jim

--
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Electronics http://www.st-and.ac.uk/~www_pa/Scots_Guide/intro/electron.htm
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Audio Misc http://www.audiomisc.co.uk/index.html

[Jim Lesurf]

In article <lig446$v85$1...@dont-email.me>, Brian Gaff <brian...@gmail.com>
wrote:

> I'm also looking for those little plastic springy washer things shoved
> over tape spindles for not allowing the hubs to fall off. A denon
> Cassette deck is the main issue right now. Talking real to real, I have
> a tandberg 3341 in need of tlc. anyone fix these at a cost that does not
> mean a remortgage, or are they just scrap. Not sure if the electronics
> ar ok but the mechanics are not good, belt and lubrication brakes etc
> issues. Brian

I have two Tandberg 3000X decks with similar problems. So I'll be
interested in any responses.

[Norman Wells]

Jim Lesurf wrote:
> In article <lig37h$pla$1...@dont-email.me>, Paul D Smith
> <paul_d...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>> I've recently purchased a couple of reel-to-reel tape players and I'm
>> getting them back into working order.
>
> What models?

Don't you mean "What for?"

[Paul D Smith]

"Jim Lesurf" wrote in message news:53f8213...@audiomisc.co.uk...

In article <lig37h$pla$1...@dont-email.me>, Paul D Smith
<paul_d...@hotmail.com> wrote:

> I've recently purchased a couple of reel-to-reel tape players and I'm
> getting them back into working order.

What models?

+++++++++++
In my case it's a Philips N4303, a single speed mono model. I also have a
Sony TC-105 which does NOT suffer from this - the belts have simple
stretched and need replacing.

I'm finding that it will clean off with isopropyl-alcohol but having enough
to be able to sock pulleys in it would help.

Paul DS.

[Johny B Good]

That's what did for the the Philips solenoid operated data cassette
drives I was using with a kit built Transam Tuscan S100 Bus computer
I'd built in the early 80s (I was using them for data storage in a
Tape Operating System I'd developed myself). There do seem to be
suppliers around who can provide replacement belts but I haven't got a
round tuit yet... one of these days perhaps.

I do agree, it was most definitely not _my_ idea of 'fun' removing
the gooy mess that remained (but it did explain why the tape speed
slowed down so much before they finally failed completely).
--
Regards, J B Good

[Davey]

On Mon, 14 Apr 2014 08:37:21 +0100

"Paul D Smith" <paul_d...@hotmail.com> wrote:

Yes, I had an old AIWA cassette tape deck that had been in storage for
years, and it had this effect on all the belts. I was able to buy a belt
kit, from the USA, but I could not find a replacement drive capstan
roller, which had also disintegrated. It was more hassle than it was
worth, so I recycled it and bought a better, newer replacement off
e-bay.

--
Davey.

[Jim Lesurf]

In article <_VM2v.70312$tN7....@fx19.fr7>, Norman Wells

Nope.

[Paul D Smith]

...snip...

Seems the small e-clips can be found by searching for "clip pusher" around
watch sites. An assortment box is not cheap but you can get cheaper if you
only want one or two of a known size. Better than the standard eBay
offerings which are aimed more at cap parts and therefore go quite large.

Will have to measure the springs tonight and see if I can get similar
success with those.

Paul DS.

[I'm Old Gregg]

"Paul D Smith" <paul_d...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:lig37h$pla$1...@dont-email.me...

> Quite the opposite of digital but I know there are a few of you here also
> deal in 'old stuff' so perhaps someone can help?
>
> I've recently purchased a couple of reel-to-reel tape players and I'm
> getting them back into working order. Apart from worn out belts (readily
> available still!) I've come across a few worn out e-clips (those circlips
> with three prongs that hold small axles etc in place) and weakened
> springs.
>
> Can anyone recommend a supplier of such things as replacement parts for
> the tape decks? I'm investigating eBay but I really don't need a
> "selection of e-clips" including a couple of small ones plus some 25mm
> sized clips! A selection from 1.5mm to 5mm would be far more in keeping
> with the problem.
>

Is this what you mean

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Centurian-300Pce-Assorted-Spring-Clips/dp/B00EVSE7YC/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1397479299&sr=8-5&keywords=%22E%22+Clips+washers

G
--

[paste...@gmail.com]

On Monday, 14 April 2014 08:37:21 UTC+1, Paul D Smith wrote:

> I've recently purchased a couple of reel-to-reel tape players and I'm
> getting them back into working order. Apart from worn out belts (readily
> available still!)

Can I ask where you get drive belts from? I need a few for a CD player - using
elastic bands at the minute, but they don't last - and would like to make
sure I can get belts made from the correct material.

Cheers.

[Paul D Smith]

wrote in message
news:9e7d432f-5ec8-4af3...@googlegroups.com...

+++++++

BlackReel-Audio-HFI store on eBay. They seem to have 'belts for all
occasions' and some pinch rollers. My belts haven't arrived yet so can't
vouch for quality.

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/BlackReel-Audio-HIFI?_trksid=p2047675.l2563

Paul DS.

[Brian Gaff]

Yes and all the plastic knobs break spontaneously as well!
Brian

--
From the Bed of Brian Gaff.
The email is valid as bri...@blueyonder.co.uk
Blind user.
"Jim Lesurf" <no...@audiomisc.co.uk> wrote in message
news:53f820f...@audiomisc.co.uk...

[Brian Gaff]

No still lots of old tapes about assuming no sticky tape syndrome.

Brian

--
From the Bed of Brian Gaff.
The email is valid as bri...@blueyonder.co.uk
Blind user.

"Norman Wells" <h...@unseen.ac.am> wrote in message
news:_VM2v.70312$tN7....@fx19.fr7...

[Brian Gaff]

CpC sell large cans of that stuff.
Very nice but use plenty of ventilation when you do it.
I used to have a nice Sony deck, but I sold it, big mistake, most of them
are apparently still working and the heads are still around. grumble whinge.

Brian

--
From the Bed of Brian Gaff.
The email is valid as bri...@blueyonder.co.uk
Blind user.

"Paul D Smith" <paul_d...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:lig9t4$6e8$1...@dont-email.me...

[Paul D Smith]

Handy to know. I've contacted my 'friendly university chemistry tutor' to
try and get some. I had small amounts for cleaning tape heads etc but these
gummy belts are taking quantities of the stuff to effectively dissolve the
rubber off the pulleys.

Paul DS.

++++++++++++++
"Brian Gaff" wrote in message news:lih04o$6e0$1...@dont-email.me...

[Woody]

"Paul D Smith" <paul_d...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:lig9t4$6e8$1...@dont-email.me...

Suggest you contact Philips customer support - you might be
surprised to find they have the parts in stock - or at least
their spares agent does. For other contributors also try the
manufacturer - Panasonic for instance have an agent
somewhere like Uxbridge who keep many such spares.

Failing tha try Charles Hyde at Pocklington in E Yorks (they
have a web site.) Technically a trade parts supplier but I
needed a LOPT for an old Philips CRT TV a few years ago and
they had them in stock.


--
Woody

harrogate three at ntlworld dot com

[Dave Saville]

On Mon, 14 Apr 2014 18:47:14 UTC, "Woody" <harro...@ntlworld.com>
wrote:

<snip>

> Suggest you contact Philips customer support - you might be
> surprised to find they have the parts in stock - or at least
> their spares agent does. For other contributors also try the
> manufacturer - Panasonic for instance have an agent
> somewhere like Uxbridge who keep many such spares.

Back in, must have been the 80's, I knew a chap who worked for Quad I
think. Anyway he had been on a visit to Japan to see some big
electronics giant and they were showing him around. At one point he
asked about spares and just got an inscrutable blank look "spare
parts?" Seem the Japs changed their, in this case hi-fi kit, about
every two years!

--
Regards
Dave Saville

[tony sayer]

In article <fV45K0OBJxbE-p...@paddington.bear.den>, Dave
Saville <No-...@deezee.org> scribeth thus

But they still collect old QUAD valve amps and pay silly money for them.


--
Tony Sayer

[Jim Lesurf]

In article <lihafh$o3l$1...@dont-email.me>,

Woody <harro...@ntlworld.com> wrote:


> Suggest you contact Philips customer support - you might be
> surprised to find they have the parts in stock - or at least
> their spares agent does.

My experience of Philips 'customer support' is that they only refer you to
*one* 'repair agent' who - even for something 3-4 years old - tells you
they don't keep repair replacement components that long. They just offer to
sell you a 'similar replacement unit' at their price. Essentially they just
want to sell you a new machine without the retailer markup. Not likely
they'd even do that for an old r2r deck.

Given my experience of them, I've never bought any other Philips branded
consumer equipment since. But then they ceased really being 'Philips'
decades ago...

[charles]

In article <53f8a96...@audiomisc.co.uk>, Jim Lesurf

<no...@audiomisc.co.uk> wrote:
> In article <lihafh$o3l$1...@dont-email.me>, Woody <harro...@ntlworld.com>
> wrote:


> > Suggest you contact Philips customer support - you might be surprised
> > to find they have the parts in stock - or at least their spares agent
> > does.

> My experience of Philips 'customer support' is that they only refer you
> to *one* 'repair agent' who - even for something 3-4 years old - tells
> you they don't keep repair replacement components that long. They just
> offer to sell you a 'similar replacement unit' at their price.
> Essentially they just want to sell you a new machine without the retailer
> markup. Not likely they'd even do that for an old r2r deck.

> Given my experience of them, I've never bought any other Philips branded
> consumer equipment since. But then they ceased really being 'Philips'
> decades ago...

when I needed spares for an old Philips tv, I used Willow Vale of Reading.
they used to keep a large selection of items.

--
From KT24

Using a RISC OS computer running v5.18

[Woody]

"charles" <cha...@charleshope.demon.co.uk> wrote in message
news:53f8b15b...@charleshope.demon.co.uk...

That's them. They stock parts for many makes, not just
Philips.

[Mike O'Sullivan]

You could try this guy, Geoff Kremer. He serviced my Teac a couple of
years ago. Did a good job.

http://www.servicesound.com/about.htm

[Jim Lesurf]

In article <53f8b15b...@charleshope.demon.co.uk>, charles

Yes. FWIW generally when I need help I either ask a local repair person or
Mike Solomon. However in the case I referred to the only people who had
spares were the one company 'franchised' by Philips to cover the UK. This
was as told to me by the Philips 'consumer service' dept, and by the one
company they referred me to.

If a repair just needs common parts like a standard resistor or capacitor I
doubt there is a problem. But in recent decades there has been a trend to
special parts with part numbers known only to the maker, and units glued
together, etc. So you're probably more likely to find a repairer who can
fix an ancient item than a newer one. However the "take it or leave it"
attitude with clear control over ability repair made me decide I'd not risk
buying any consumer item branded 'Philips' again.

Contrary to that, I recently bought the 55CD Philips branded box set of
classical music. That is excellent. However since the Philips catalogue was
sold on years ago, its has no real connection with Philips branded consumer
electronics these days. A trend underlined by an RCA 'Living Stereo' box
from... Sony. :-)

And in the case of the CDs, 'Philips' seems to treat the buyer rather
better than 'RCA'.

[paste...@gmail.com]

On Monday, 14 April 2014 16:42:43 UTC+1, Paul D Smith wrote:

> BlackReel-Audio-HFI store on eBay. They seem to have 'belts for all
> occasions' and some pinch rollers. My belts haven't arrived yet so can't
> vouch for quality.
>
> http://stores.ebay.co.uk/BlackReel-Audio-HIFI?_trksid=p2047675.l2563
>
> Paul DS.

Thanks for that, Paul!

[charles]

In article <53f8c29...@audiomisc.co.uk>,

Jim Lesurf <no...@audiomisc.co.uk> wrote:
> In article <53f8b15b...@charleshope.demon.co.uk>, charles
> <cha...@charleshope.demon.co.uk> wrote:
> > In article <53f8a96...@audiomisc.co.uk>, Jim Lesurf
> > <no...@audiomisc.co.uk> wrote:
> > > In article <lihafh$o3l$1...@dont-email.me>, Woody
> > > <harro...@ntlworld.com> wrote:



> > > Given my experience of them, I've never bought any other Philips
> > > branded consumer equipment since. But then they ceased really being
> > > 'Philips' decades ago...

> > when I needed spares for an old Philips tv, I used Willow Vale of
> > Reading. they used to keep a large selection of items.

> Yes. FWIW generally when I need help I either ask a local repair person or
> Mike Solomon. However in the case I referred to the only people who had
> spares were the one company 'franchised' by Philips to cover the UK. This
> was as told to me by the Philips 'consumer service' dept, and by the one
> company they referred me to.

> If a repair just needs common parts like a standard resistor or capacitor
> I doubt there is a problem.

[Snip]
I wouldn't go to Willow Vale for a standard resistor, I went for special
Philips item. They were the only supplier.

[Jim Lesurf]

In article <53f8ce92...@charleshope.demon.co.uk>, charles

Then, for all I know, they're the people who told me that no spares were
available for a unit that was about 4 years old. Both 'Philips' and the
'repair company' told me:

1) There was only one repair company they provided with spares and service
info for the equipment.

2) No spares available. Just the offer of buying a new similar item at
wholesale price. i.e. at no loss to Philips.

In effect it meant Philips had tied up the repair field to ensure you'd
have to buy a new item.

Goodbye to buying anything else from them...

[Paul D Smith]

> BlackReel-Audio-HFI store on eBay. They seem to have 'belts for all
> occasions' and some pinch rollers. My belts haven't arrived yet so can't
> vouch for quality.
>
> http://stores.ebay.co.uk/BlackReel-Audio-HIFI?_trksid=p2047675.l2563
>
> Paul DS.

Thanks for that, Paul!

+++++++++++++

FWIW, my belts arrived last week and I got my first reel-to-reel running
over the weekend. Biggest issue was a few rubber bushes which are in good
condition except that they have shrunk slightly. The motor "hangs" from one
of them and was slipping down over the now "not as wide" cylinder of rubber
so getting the motor to sit at the right height relative to the various
pulleys was more hassle than I anticipated.

But once I'd got everything back together, all works a treat and the 40 year
old tapes, "lovingly" stored in a damp shed, sound remarkably good (well not
the content but you know what I mean ;-) ).

Paul DS.