Need correct idler tires for GE 3-5259a Blockbuster

BoxBeats

Member (SA)
Apr 19, 2022
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Salinas, CA
Hi,

I am hoping that someone might have 2 extra idler tires for the Blockbuster that they might sell me. I tried various o-rings and never was able to get them the right size. I have two boxes with the same issue. Does anyone have the correct dimensions for the idler tire?

Hoping someone can help because that is all I need for my cassettes to work.

Thanks in advance!
 

hopey

Member (SA)
Dec 28, 2014
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Melb AU
You can make your own from O-rings. Yes they work perfect you can sand them down to match. To finish get a bamboo skewer to use as a temporary shaft and mount in a drill, square off the outside with wet and dry sandpaper 600 grit.
 
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caution

Member (SA)
Mar 25, 2014
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Boomboxery
I found my old Blockbuster idler tire. Measurements were done in metric but the inch conversions should well be close enough.
Cross section: 2.05mm x 2.05mm (0.08" x 0.08")
ID: 9.1mm (0.36")
OD: 13.2mm (0.52")
 
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Tinman

Member (SA)
Mar 4, 2019
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I found this resource for idler tires but I don’t know the dimensions of the original idler tires I need Since the originals were broken. Anyone know the dimensions of an idler tire? Here is the idler tire site: https://fixyouraudio.com/product-category/spare-parts/idler-tires-for-cassette-players/
Slovakia?
Try Marvac Elec. in Cali. before the other place.
I think that's where I got my last tires from and they're usually PRB brand.
I've been getting all of my belts from them for the last few years.
 
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Tinman

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Mar 4, 2019
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From Caution's measurements the ST.515 might work but I can't remember how the dimensions are worded.
Is cross section the thickness or the width?
I can't remember.
You'll have to try and figure it out.
 
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caution

Member (SA)
Mar 25, 2014
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Boomboxery
The PRB belt cross-reference doc has a pretty good list of tire codes and their sizes on page 279.
Given what's available at Marvac, your best bet is ST.535. It's got the right wall thickness of 0.08" and the OD is close enough (0.535 vs. 0.52").
The only thing is that the cross section is huge (0.47") so you'd have to slice it down to 0.08".
 
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BoxBeats

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BoxBeats

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Apr 19, 2022
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Salinas, CA
Hold up, the previously mentioned idler tires are not perfect they are slightly too wide. I suppose you could grind them down to get them to work. However, I took a chance and ordered these: https://www.ebay.com/itm/334895960546 and the right size was in the mix and no grinding necessary - perfect! I did have to wait about two weeks for them but worth it. My two Blockbusters cassettes are running just need azimuth and speed adjustment. I can gage speed but azimuth, forget about it. Peace to everyone!
 

Tinman

Member (SA)
Mar 4, 2019
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Good to hear you found them.
That looks like a nice (and cheap) set.

Azimuth adjustment can be made while listening to any tape.
Just adjust the screw in & out until it sounds the best.
I've found sometimes listening in mono vs stereo/wide can help.
It's not perfect but if you don't have the equipment, which most of us don't, it gets you close enough.

If you plan on refurbishing more boxes, you might want to invest in a calibration tape.
It produces a tone at a certain hz (I have a 3000hz tape).
You adjust the motor speed until it matches whatever hz is being played.
I use two different apps on my phone to verify it.
It makes it very easy.