Changing belts

[Toolfan]

I’m a complete rookie to this and just got my first real vintage boombox( other than what I had as a kid in the 80s) and everything’s working well other than it sounding like the cassette needs a new belt. Is this difficult? I’m debating between trying to replace it myself or taking it to a UbreakIfix kinda place.
Thanks for any info.

 

[floyd]

All you need to get started is a phillips screwdriver . you could try removing the screws that secure the front panel and then open the tape door and see if the front comes loose . there are connections for the speakers once you pull the connected off then remove the front . the cassette deck sits right there and is easy to access. Might be 4 screws that hold the tape mech in place. Once you get that far then you can decide what to do next. Make sure it's not plugged in while you're working on it.

 

[Toolfan]

All you need to get started is a phillips screwdriver . you could try removing the screws that secure the front panel and then open the tape door and see if the front comes loose . there are connections for the speakers once you pull the connected off then remove the front . the cassette deck sits right there and is easy to access. Might be 4 screws that hold the tape mech in place. Once you get that far then you can decide what to do next. Make sure it's not plugged in while you're working on it.

Doesn’t sound or look too difficult. I ordered some belts, so we’ll see Thank you!

 

[Brutus442]

I agree with Floyd. Go easy and go slow. I invested in a set of dental tools including a dental mirror because sometimes you can't see what is stuck or binding in tight spots and some isopropyl alcohol to clean the rubber remains from the belt routing.

DON'T overtighten the screws back into the posts! 80's plastic is incredibly brittle. Just snug them tight

 

[floyd]

If you're not sure of something just take pictures or videos as you go that way you can reference them if you get in a bind.

 

[Fatdog]

Be sure and take pictures at each step once you have the case opened. Also, lay screws out in a manner so that you put them back into the same hole they came out of. Take your time. Again, take pictures - forgetting where a plug or wire should go can bring on panic. Pictures will help.

You can do it! And you will feel awesome when it's all done!

 

[Superduper]

A good gripping #2 and #1 screwdriver gets you 90% there. A hook or pick tool will make things easier but a hand made one out of stiff wire probably would work. The most important thing is to leave plenty of breadcrumbs so you can find your way back in the form of tons of photos. Some of the most common questions I see are “I did the belts and can’t remember where this wire goes or have these leftover screws, or other parts.” Almost every one here started out & learned exactly by doing it hands on.

 

[Toolfan]

Thanks for all of the input and advice!
I ordered two more inexpensive boxes today that are in need of belts but are supposedly in great condition otherwise. So I guess I should get plenty of practice
I’ll post here how it goes
Thanks again!

 

[floyd]

There might be a screw inside the battery compartment as well so be sure to look in there when you take screws out to remove the front panel.

 

[BoomboxLover48]

Make sure to leave the cassette door open when you remove the front panel. In some cases, the cassette door can be removed easily from the front side.

 

[Toolfan]

Make sure to leave the cassette door open when you remove the front panel. In some cases, the cassette door can be removed easily from the front side.

I saw that the doors can be removed by pulling up, so tried to remove the door to see and it felt like it wasn’t meant to come off or would break before it came off. So leaving it open is good enough, it doesn’t have to come off?

 

[Toolfan]

There might be a screw inside the battery compartment as well so be sure to look in there when you take screws out to remove the front panel.

I checked and there is one screw under the battery cover near the edge of the compartment

 

[floyd]

I saw that the doors can be removed by pulling up, so tried to remove the door to see and it felt like it wasn’t meant to come off or would break before it came off. So leaving it open is good enough, it doesn’t have to come off?

Just leave it open. It's attached to the front case. The reason for leaving it open is that sometimes there's a backing plate and or door latch that will snag when removing the front.

 

[Superduper]

Just leave it open. It's attached to the front case. The reason for leaving it open is that sometimes there's a backing plate and or door latch that will snag when removing the front.

I think Quasars are just like Panasonics, and I'm going by memory here since it's been over a decade since I last opened one, but if I recall correctly, the front bezel is removed by sliding it up off of the actual door assembly. The glass bezel (door cover) may need to be removed because the actual door itself is part of the deck assembly and therefore the front cabinet 1/2 can't be lifted off unless that door cover is first removed. Might want to check with someone who has one or the service manual to confirm.

 

[Toolfan]

I also bought a Panasonic 4940, a Sony CFS w301, and a Montgomery Wards GEN-3965 (bargain shopping lol). I’m expecting these to all need belts too. Is there any of what i mentioned that might be easier than the quasar to start with or is it all basically the same?

 

[Superduper]

These are all simple basic boomboxes, I suspect they will all be relatively easy with the Sony probably the hardest. You might want to restore one before you keep stocking up. Otherwise, you're just going to end up with a whole bunch of boomboxes that need restoration.

 

[Toolfan]

These are all simple basic boomboxes, I suspect they will all be relatively easy with the Sony probably the hardest. You might want to restore one before you keep stocking up. Otherwise, you're just going to end up with a whole bunch of boomboxes that need restoration.

Thanks! Ya I’m not getting anymore until these are done lol The Montgomery just arrived and is much worse shape than the quasar ( the quasar is near mint other than needing belts)so i think I’m gonna use that as my guinea pig to get the hang of this

 

[Toolfan]

Well I dug into the Montgomery Ward today and was able to access the belts. Unfortunately on this one, the belts weren’t the issue. There was either no power going to cassette or the motor wasn’t working. Both are above my pay grade, so I just did a thorough cleaning and put it back together. It does look nice and the am/fm radio sounds great. I might have it professionally repaired at some point though.
Does anyone know where to get parts? It’s missing one of the paddles for the Am/fm switch.