Help identifying this boombox

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Huffers

Huffers

Member (SA)
Hi All,
This is my first post and was hoping that someone on this forum may be able to help.
I have a really ropey picture of a friend holding a boombox in the 80s.
I was hoping to be able to identify what unit it is as I was hoping to try to find and restore one as a surprise.
Firstly I apologise for the poor quality photo, so not even sure it will be possible to identify it but thought if anyone could it would be on here.

Any clues would be great

Many thanks
 

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Huffers

Huffers

Member (SA)
Thanks Stevenrob.
Don’t think it is the Panasonic as I can’t see the tweeters in the top corners, which I think would show up on the photo even as a shadow. Was wondering if it could be one of the Sharp GF models as some of those have rectangle speaker grills like to GF505 but there seems to be a very large area between the top of the speaker grills and the top of the unit and I haven’t seen any that look quite right. I am wondering g from the picture if there is a small square tweeter just above the main rectangle speaker.
 
caution

caution

Member (SA)
Not the 5250, the deck sits too low compared to the poster's picture.

47699009101_70420eedee_o.jpg



Looks more like the Hitachi TRK-8290

40732647633_7d3f4de5fa_o.jpg
 
Huffers

Huffers

Member (SA)
Thanks caution
That certainly does look closer. Does look like the one I am looking for has a sloping top as well.

Many thanks Fatdog and caution.
Certainly looks a good candidate. Do you know if there are any other hitachi models with the same shape?
 
Fatdog

Fatdog

Well-Known Member
Staff member
Huffers said:
Do you know if there are any other hitachi models with the same shape?
Click to expand...
The slant-top design can be found on the following Hitachi models:

TRK-8072
TRK-8080
TRK-8180
TRK-8190

Of course, there could be a few more similar models.

The TRK-8190 is the same as the TRK-8290, but with a different color scheme.
 
Huffers

Huffers

Member (SA)
Thanks everyone.
Amazing that you could identify from that blurred picture.
Playing around with the picture settings trying to enhance the boom box as much as possible and looking around at sample photos. As suggested I am pretty sure it is the Hitachi 8290.
The layout and shape certainly seem to match well.

So my search begins. Challenge is now to find a suitable candidate for restoration that doesn’t cost too much but can be turned into a nice working example.

Thanks everyone for the very prompt help it has been much appreciated. 😀
 
Huffers

Huffers

Member (SA)
Thanks all.

I have actually managed to find an Hitachi TRK8290e on Ebay and picked it up yesterday. Only £40 although had to do a 200 mile round trip to pick it up.
Have been stripping it down and cleaning it. It is very dirty so is taking some cleaning, the only problem so far are the plastic windows over the radio and tape door, which are badly clouded and yellow, really not sure if I will be able to do much with them. I have seen some reference to using hydrogren peroxide and Oxi-action and soaking the plastic and leaving outside so it is exposed to UV for a few days. Will give this a go, but not sure if it is going to clear them.
Other than that the rest looks to be in ok condition below the dirt.

Haven't tried to fire it up yet.
 
btphoto

btphoto

Member (SA)
Huffers said:
the only problem so far are the plastic windows over the radio and tape door, which are badly clouded and yellow, really not sure if I will be able to do much with them.
Click to expand...
Any chance just the plexiglass parts can be replaced?
 
Huffers

Huffers

Member (SA)
Hi byphoto, yes I have the plexiglass out so you can just replace that providing I can find them.
however would also consider a replacement front (TRK8290e) if it was in good condition as there are some hairline cracks in mine.
 
docs

docs

Member (SA)
A very light polish with a dremel and polishing head will clean the plexi. Don’t over do it.
 
Huffers

Huffers

Member (SA)
Thanks Docs. Although it may be a bit past that. It is totally opaque and discoloured.
I think it has spent many years in the sun so really not sure if I can rub enough down to bring it back to life.
Have already tried it once with little effect. Am now going deeper with a more aggressive rundown as I don't have much to lose.

Also on the hunt for a donor machine if I can find one that has better plastic.
 
docs

docs

Member (SA)
To be honest, these are relatively cheap and you should be able to get a mint one for little outlay and use the existing one as a parts box for a new one. That's what I would do anyway if I wanted a good 8290.
 
Huffers

Huffers

Member (SA)
Thanks Docs

Do you have any suggestions where to look?
I have put something on the wanted list here.
Also the obvious Ebay.
But also been looking for audio jumbled but not had much success.
I have seen there is audiojumble but the next meet is not till October.

Do you know of any other websites or flea markets etc that are worth trying?

Thanks
 
btphoto

btphoto

Member (SA)
Huffers said:
Hi byphoto, yes I have the plexiglass out so you can just replace that providing I can find them.
however would also consider a replacement front (TRK8290e) if it was in good condition as there are some hairline cracks in mine.
Click to expand...
Oh Ok, some boxes the plexiglass is very plain and can be replaced with just regular plexiglass found at the local hardware store.
 
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