Advice - Conion - should keep or send back

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snackies

New Member
Hi, new here...I made my first vintage purchase off of ebay, a Conion C-100F...I wanted to pick one of these up for a while. I paid $1100 shipped...Item said complete, 8.5/10 cosmetics and 10/10 operations working...When the item showed up, all buttons, batt cover, etc are there...I don't mind paying more for a complete fully working one, as I haven't been able to pick anything up good close by, you can get one cheaper, but is it complete?... and if it's missing parts, what is it going to take to track them down? so I figured I'd just get this one.

When the item showed up, the packaging was absolutely disgusting, spider eggs with dead bugs in the newspaper packing, not sure if packaging smelled like cigarettes, it smelled bad more like smoked meats or something..Unit was not even wiped down, dirty, volume knob sounds really scratchy, like they need to be cleaned and lubed, so volume not working properly... I think it needs to be cleaned and shopped out. I have to go through all the functions yet....

I was thinking of just sending it back, but by the time I pay for return shipping, I'm not sure if it is worth it to just clean it all up myself and keep it. I have a background in electronics and collect vintage and modern pinball machine repairs as my other side hobby, so can do the work myself...I'm just wondering if it worth to keep it at this point, just spend time cleaning and shopping it out. I'm not looking to flip it or to make money, just keep it, enjoy it and not sure if I'm too far into it to clean it up.
 
Superduper

Superduper

Moderator
Staff member
Only you can decide that, how can we make a suggestion if you haven’t even tested it yet? What works, what doesn’t? For that price, I’d want one that was already serviced. If it’s an original that works but hasn’t been gone through, you can be pretty certain that it will probably need it sooner rather than later. Cosmetics are important. If otherwise minty, I might suck it up & refresh myself knowing how difficult it is to find them in good shape. Bottom line, it’s entirely up to the individual.

————————

I’d also like to add that for me, personally, I’d much prefer a clean unmolested original than a seller refurb as there’s few people I would trust to do repair & restoration work properly, or at least to my standards.
 
MyOhMy

MyOhMy

Member (SA)
Whatever you decide and whatever the outcome, one of the most important lessons I've learned with 'distance buying' is to keep a photo record from when the box arrived right through to testing. Photograph any signs of crushing, indentations or other external anomalies followed by a step-by-step record from every angle before you unpack right through to complete unpacking making sure you capture every detail. If you have help, take a video of the unpacking. Once an item has been unpacked without a photographic or video record, any complaint may be made a little more difficult.

Oh, Welcome to the Boomboxery forum! :hi:
 
Reli

Reli

Boomus Fidelis
The volume knob is an easy fix, use a little DeOxit D-100L with the brush into the holes on the back of the volume pot. I would advise not using the spray versions, as the spray tube is usually too big to fit into those holes, and also the spray contains more solvent which dilutes the grease inside the knob, reducing its resistance and making it feel too loose.

But I've never opened a C100 so I don't know if the entire chassis and circuit boards need to be removed to access the controls.
 
Nickeccles

Nickeccles

Member (SA)
But on the other hand............You could try & repair/service it yourself! There is a ton of help here & people willing to help you! You could start by carefully removing the casing (I'm not too knowledgeable on the C100) & carefully remove all the cruddy bits & offending dirt being careful not to disturb any of "The Works" While you have it open get yourself some servisol/deoxit spray & clean all the switches & sliders/rotary controls! It's easy to do this & you will begin to learn how to do the simpler stuff yourself! :-) Be sure to keep the spray away from the plastic casing especially the outside as it can in some cases dissolve paint........& also away from the cassette mechanisms where the belts are! If you need any help, just ask here, Oh & take loads of pictures as you go & post them here if you get stuck!! I would keep it personally as I know these are desirable to many (Just not me! lol) & you won't exactly "Fall over" another one anytime soon as you are aware of.........
Don't be worrying, we can help you get it sorted out & working - As for cosmetics, I am very fussy & have an OCD habit of constantly cleaning my stereo's when they come out to play - Keep cleaning many times slowly & take your time using soft brushes & perhaps cleaning foam, I just use normal household polish & I get through a lot of it as I like to see my pride & joys gleaming! You paid a lot for it so take the plunge & start learning - you can do a lot of it yourself trust me :yes: With your background & knowledge, you'll have it rebelted & as good as it can look & it's very satisfying to finish a boombox off & sit in front of it just blasting :-)
 
Hajidub

Hajidub

Member (SA)
The last refurbished one I found on Ebay seems to have gone for $500 more. I'd say you got a deal if it's in good cosmetic shape, though I would PM the seller and mention the scratchey volume and crappy other things. Did you pay via Paypal? If so you're protected and P/P usually always sides with the buyer. I'd PM/Email him and ask for partial refund, either way I'd open it and replace the belts, deoxit everything internally (knobs/switches), and call it a day. The deck is legendary and you'll feel better after you do some minor maintenance (which is expected on almost everything vintage).
 
Superduper

Superduper

Moderator
Staff member
Hajidub said:
........ I'd say you got a deal if it's in good cosmetic shape,
...............Did you pay via Paypal? If so you're protected and P/P usually always sides with the buyer.
....................I'd PM/Email him and ask for partial refund,
........ after you do some minor maintenance (which is expected on almost everything vintage).
Click to expand...
Based on the statements above: So I'm curious.... what is the basis for asking for a partial refund? Just because you can? You said yourself these things ALL require some maintenance.
 
Reli

Reli

Boomus Fidelis
If there are no scratches, cracks, or corrosion, and the volume knob is the only functional problem, I'd keep it...….But I'd give him Neutral feedback, or a 2 or 3 instead of 5 on the item description score.
 
Transistorized

Transistorized

Member (SA)
Welcome to the forum.

I wouldn't be too concerned with smell or needing wiped down. My silver C100 smelled like pine sol when I got it. The pots were so bad the channels would drop out and it had two dead cassette decks. I enjoyed fixing it up. I will say it was considerably cheaper than yours though. People usually don't describe the smell of the radio if they are smokers. Sometimes people will say "from a non smoking home". Usually they only mention performance. If they switch it on and it plays a tune it works to them even with scratchy knobs.

Cleaning volume pots is relatively routine and the smell will dissipate over time. Aside from needing a cleaning, does it work as described? If so, I would say the transaction is complete

Now, if the stereo was shown to be complete or sold as fully functional and arrived with parts missing or not working then I would return. Scratchy volume wouldn't classify as not working IMO.

Personally I would only pay that price if it were 100% working with only minor flaws and scratches but if the seller was accurate with its operation and you agreed to the price I would keep it and play it :-)
 
J

jimmyjimmy19702010

Member (SA)
I always wonder why a seller who gets $1100 for something doesn’t think cleaning the thing is a good idea. Presentation is everything, don’t people know this these days?

Filthy, unserviced (unloved), partially working, poorly packed!! This seller really doesn’t give a **** about the Boombox or the buyer!

Send it back. There are plenty of C100s out there in the wild.

Another will come up for sure. I’d rather buy a box from a collector here at Boomboxery than some unknown Ebay seller.
 
Radio raheem

Radio raheem

Requiem Æternam
If it's fully working keep it, if not send it back, volume pot is nothing and can be fixed in a matter of 5 seconds
 
sernas88

sernas88

Member (SA)
MyOhMy said:
Whatever you decide and whatever the outcome, one of the most important lessons I've learned with 'distance buying' is to keep a photo record from when the box arrived right through to testing. Photograph any signs of crushing, indentations or other external anomalies followed by a step-by-step record from every angle before you unpack right through to complete unpacking making sure you capture every detail. If you have help, take a video of the unpacking. Once an item has been unpacked without a photographic or video record, any complaint may be made a little more difficult.

Oh, Welcome to the Boomboxery forum! :hi:
Click to expand...

I fully agree with you. I am always make video and photos when unpacking. This is best solution when you buy online. Even when I send to buyer, I'm make video, photos how i am packing...
 
Northerner

Northerner

Boomus Fidelis
If it’s all complete, good cosmetically, and just needs some switch cleaner and a bath then I’d keep it. I’ve worked on a couple of these and they’re not bad to do at all.
 
Lasonic TRC-920

Lasonic TRC-920

Moderator
Me personally, If it was complete and just filthy, I would do the restoration myself.

Pro's
It arrived un-damaged during packing / shipping (rare)
It has all it's knobs, switches, battery cover ect. (rare)
It is in working condition, even though it needs a full service.

Con's
You pay for return shipping, not gonna be cheap, money lost.
You risk damage during return shipping and if that seller lied about the condition of the radio in the first place, they might lie about it's condition upon it's return.
Taking the time to pack it all back up and take it to the post office. (during the Christmas crush).

IMO, you sound like you have the skills to pull this job off without a hitch. I'm sure you know that wonderful satisfying feeling when you've completed the restoration of something like this.

Chances are, if you do get another C100, it too will need some sort of service, belts, deoxit, ect. It sounds like you have the bones to build something nice. I'd keep it. :yes:
 
Transistorized

Transistorized

Member (SA)
Lasonic TRC-920 said:
Me personally, If it was complete and just filthy, I would to the restoration myself.

Pro's
It arrived un-damaged during packing / shipping (rare)
It has all it's knobs, switches, battery cover ect. (rare)
It is in working condition, even though it needs a full service.

Con's
You pay for return shipping, not gonna be cheap, money lost.
You risk damage during return shipping and if that seller lied about the condition of the radio in the first place, they might lie about it's condition upon it's return.
Taking the time to pack it all back up and take it to the post office. (during the Christmas crush).

IMO, you sound like you have the skills to pull this job off without a hitch. I'm sure you know that wonderful satisfying feeling when you've completed the restoration of something like this.

Chances are, if you do get another C100, it too will need some sort of service, belts, deoxit, ect. It sounds like you have the bones to build something nice. I'd keep it. :yes:
Click to expand...
Everything in the above post is 100% accurate IMO
 
Hajidub

Hajidub

Member (SA)
Superduper said:
........ I'd say you got a deal if it's in good cosmetic shape,
...............Did you pay via Paypal? If so you're protected and P/P usually always sides with the buyer.
....................I'd PM/Email him and ask for partial refund,
........ after you do some minor maintenance (which is expected on almost everything vintage).
Click to expand...
Based on the statements above: So I'm curious.... what is the basis for asking for a partial refund? Just because you can? You said yourself these things ALL require some maintenance.

Only because it doesn't function as advertised, which is either the seller's laziness or trying to get over on someone. $1000 isn't chump change.

BTW, Lasonic's post of claiming a con of paying for shipping back is false. Paypal will pay for shipping if the complaint of "not as advertised" is used.
Click to expand...
 
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