Boombox Restoration GE 35259A Blockbuster

[BoxBeats]

I was wondering what the general recommendations are for restoring a GE 35259A Blockbuster. I may be getting the Blockbuster and from photos it looks good but what should I do to keep it running if it is operational? Is changing the belts and cleaning contacts something I could do without expert knowledge? Anyone have links to a restore? I’d love to add led illumination to the dials but should I take it in to a shop somewhere? Sorry for all the newbie questions!

 

[Superduper]

Contact cleaning on all switches and rotary controls is a given. They are almost all scratchy and intermittent at this point. Unfortunately, on these models, they are hard to get to since they aren't easily exposed unlike many boomboxes where the innards are all contained in a removal chassis. Additionally belt life is really only a few years so unless they have been replaced in recent years, those likely also need replacement. Deck servicing will require cleaning and typical general servicing but an issue unique to this and the Realistic SCR-8 is that a bracket that holds the heads fail causing the heads to not ascend high enough (therefore not contacting the tape and consequently, no tape audio). Replacements can be purchased here: https://www.shapeways.com/product/WDKTLYBJK/ge-3-5259-realistic-scr-8-boombox-head-bracket? Can't comment on an LED illumination since that is a modification and these types of dial (metal reflective dial) do not respond all that well with LEDs, and I don't think this model ever came with lights so that would mean there is no existing illumination button and any add on would either require adding a switch somewhere or they will be on all the time.

 

[BoxBeats]

Contact cleaning on all switches and rotary controls is a given. They are almost all scratchy and intermittent at this point. Unfortunately, on these models, they are hard to get to since they aren't easily exposed unlike many boomboxes where the innards are all contained in a removal chassis. Additionally belt life is really only a few years so unless they have been replaced in recent years, those likely also need replacement. Deck servicing will require cleaning and typical general servicing but an issue unique to this and the Realistic SCR-8 is that a bracket that holds the heads fail causing the heads to not ascend high enough (therefore not contacting the tape and consequently, no tape audio). Replacements can be purchased here: https://www.shapeways.com/product/WDKTLYBJK/ge-3-5259-realistic-scr-8-boombox-head-bracket? Can't comment on an LED illumination since that is a modification and these types of dial (metal reflective dial) do not respond all that well with LEDs, and I don't think this model ever came with lights so that would mean there is no existing illumination button and any add on would either require adding a switch somewhere or they will be on all the time.

Thank you so much for the detailed reply! I will open her up and look around once I have a chance. I dig this forum and your time to reply.

Gabriel

 

[docs]

Search the forum, there are some good guides to fix the deck issues.

 

[stynger007]

Contact cleaning on all switches and rotary controls is a given. They are almost all scratchy and intermittent at this point. Unfortunately, on these models, they are hard to get to since they aren't easily exposed unlike many boomboxes where the innards are all contained in a removal chassis. Additionally belt life is really only a few years so unless they have been replaced in recent years, those likely also need replacement. Deck servicing will require cleaning and typical general servicing but an issue unique to this and the Realistic SCR-8 is that a bracket that holds the heads fail causing the heads to not ascend high enough (therefore not contacting the tape and consequently, no tape audio). Replacements can be purchased here: https://www.shapeways.com/product/WDKTLYBJK/ge-3-5259-realistic-scr-8-boombox-head-bracket? Can't comment on an LED illumination since that is a modification and these types of dial (metal reflective dial) do not respond all that well with LEDs, and I don't think this model ever came with lights so that would mean there is no existing illumination button and any add on would either require adding a switch somewhere or they will be on all the time.

Installing leds in place of incandescent bulbs ; just replaced the 12v incandescent on my newly acquired Pioneer CK5. Other boxes, ie National 5350, JVC M70, El Diablo , Victor version of 550 to name a few - tapping the beat cut switch as an led on/off for leds is doable. The Beat/Cut is used for AM radio recording only in that the deck can have issues recording without utilizing the beat cut. Cutting the traces to the beat cut, tapping power and the ability to switch leds on and off with it , many satisfied customers. The trace cuts are completely reversible. You can wire the leds to come on on powerup , or utilize the beat /cut to have the choice. Adding another switch might take away from factory apearance depending on the way it is utilized.

 

[Superduper]

Installing leds in place of incandescent bulbs ; just replaced the 12v incandescent on my newly acquired Pioneer CK5. Other boxes, ie National 5350, JVC M70, El Diablo , Victor version of 550 to name a few - tapping the beat cut switch as an led on/off for leds is doable. The Beat/Cut is used for AM radio recording only in that the deck can have issues recording without utilizing the beat cut. Cutting the traces to the beat cut, tapping power and the ability to switch leds on and off with it , many satisfied customers. The trace cuts are completely reversible. You can wire the leds to come on on powerup , or utilize the beat /cut to have the choice. Adding another switch might take away from factory apearance depending on the way it is utilized.

Once again, ALL of the Boomboxes mentioned in your list has an acrylic tuner dial that does an excellent job of carrying light across it. The GE has a brushed metal printed dial that will just reflect the light rather back instead of evenly speading across the dial. The end result will be like a narrowly focused spotlight appearance. You might think that maybe running many leds across the dial might be the solution but it usually only results in looking like many bright dots across the dial.

 

[stynger007]

I was wondering what the general recommendations are for restoring a GE 35259A Blockbuster. I may be getting the Blockbuster and from photos it looks good but what should I do to keep it running if it is operational? Is changing the belts and cleaning contacts something I could do without expert knowledge? Anyone have links to a restore? I’d love to add led illumination to the dials but should I take it in to a shop somewhere? Sorry for all the newbie questions!

I placed white leds in my vu meters on the 5259 i had operated by beat/cut switch. There never was an incandescent bulb in the tuner dial as many I have done had. As SuperDuper mentioned installing leds may cause a glare. A suggestion, a single led dead centre of the tuner indicator. My Citizen JTR 1270 has a similar dial as the GE. I will try a few led configs and post back with pics.

 

[BoxBeats]

I did it! I got my Blockbuster opened and I fixed a cassette that was stuck and wouldn’t eject,, changed all the belts, cleaned all switches and knobs, sort of got my meters working (needs more tweaking) and this beauty rocks!

I’m missing the tape counter reset button but I changed the belt for the counter and it works!

Still needs fixing:

1. The chrome plastic panel has a white stain near the selector buttons (i’m thinking the paint rubbed off of the simulated chrome).
2. I think I need to demagnetize the heads or do I?
3. While trying to adjust the level meter needles I touched one and the white paint came off! Is there a way to repaint it?
4. The tape deck came back to life and works! There was a 1987 cassette stuck in it on how to play piano. Plays beautifully now except before I hit play i hear some sort of noise (maybe electrical interference from my router). Only happens in Tape mode.

This boombox puts out and now I can rock the neighborhood. Thank you Boomboxery and all those youtube videos I watched (cassettes2go Spats Bear, etc).

 

[docs]

You're welcome good job.