Home at last

[LJV]

Just found this site and I'm stunned. For all these years I thought I was the only person with fascination about boomboxes and other consumer electronics from the late 70's and 80's.

The reason why I'm here is to learn tips and trick when it matters restoration. I'm not a collector, I would be if my finances would allow me. I'm just looking to buy a single boombox that I'd restore or one that is in very good/mint condition.

I got small Samsung boombox back in 1983. but it was more like a two speaker cassette radio than boombox when it mattered power and appearance. Unfortunately, it got worn out and destroyed by two generations, and ended up in a trash 17 years ago. Now that I'm middle-aged, I'd like to treat myself with boombox up to mu my liking. I'd like to use it to play 80's mp3 compilation via line-in, and to keep it as decorative item in my room.

There are many boomboxes where I live, but it is very difficult to locate them, because people have moved them in the attics, cellars and sheds, unaware of money they could get if they put then on sale. Many of them are being worn-out and greased up in car-repair workshops and eaten by oxidation.

Since all of us have limited time on this planet, I've decided to buy best I could find at the moment, and that is one JVC PC-150 in good condition. Apart from broken antenna, and one scratch, it is the best I could find. If something really great comes along after that, than I'd be happy to hopefully spend more money to buy something to be proud of.

Obviously, I'd like to be able see "for sale" subforum on this site, but I guess I would have to wait, as those are the rules.

 

[baddboybill]

Welcome you will enjoy it here and learn lots of stuff about Boomboxes you never even thought of. Oh and I don't any of us thought we would end up with fifty or more boxes when we started

 

[LJV]

Thank you for the warm welcome.

I'm very skilled with repair of mechanical parts and electronics, even with sensitive stuff like pc motherboards, but repainting of boombox plastics for instance, and remetalization of worn-out potentiometer knobs/sliders, switches and speaker rims, is something I have no experience with.

 

[monchito]

welcome to the site :monchito:

 

[Northerner]

Welcome to the forum!

You'll never stay with one box, there are far too many awesome boxes out there that can't be ignored!!

 

[hardmen]

 

[LJV]

I feel the obligation to also thank all of those who welcomed me in the meantime, as well as those who might do it in the time to come.
Oh boy, how I envy you on those National/Panasonic RX7000 and other bboxes in your avatars and obviously in your possession

 

[k2j]

I feel the obligation to also thank all of those who welcomed me in the meantime, as well as those who might do it in the time to come.
Oh boy, how I envy you on those National/Panasonic RX7000 and other bboxes in your avatars and obviously in your possession

Uh oh, the fever is starting to hit. You are in big trouble!

Welcome aboard!

 

[devol-toni]

 

[Northerner]

Quick cancel your membership!!!....its not too late to save yourself! its too late for us, we're all beyond saving but if you're quick you may be able to return to 'normal life'!!!

 

[MasterBlaster84]

Welcome!
Your first mistake was clicking on the link to this site, it's BOOMBOX nirvana in here so be prepared to be consumed by it.

 

[LJV]

Thank you, thank you! Never been on any forum with such friendly surrounding!

Why am I under impression that those RXs and Conions were given with each happy meal in the US?

Is there a topic "how much it took me to find this beauty" or some similar confession room?

Today I called as previously arranged with the seller of that JVC, and the guy turned out to be a liar.

So, nothing in sight for me. :'-(

 

[THAFUZZ]

Better late, than never....... Welcome aboard! And, happy hunting!

 

[LJV]

Thanks. I wasn't expecting to find something quick and affordable exactly here on this forum, but my quest in local adds and auctions sites shows no promises too.
I was hoping to get one before Christmas, but no luck so far. Even if I'd find something outside Europe, shipping would cost like hell, who knows how the packaging would survive the handling. Than there are local customs checks, and where I live, it frequently happens that custom officers in post "loose" items of their liking. Everything over 25$ value faces customs tax, and it depends on the mood of customs officer. So I could pay 0$ or be pushed into corner to pay 200% of what I've paid for, and I have no intention to gamble like that. There are no garage sales here, no paypall, only western union, so I really don't know where to look. I know there's lot of boomboxes locally - stashed away, forgotten, considered worthless etc. but I can't go door to door checking. :'-(

 

[THAFUZZ]

Jeez, that totally sucks! I'm selling a few but Your customs people make it scary to ship. They'll open it up (maybe) and not repack it the same way to continue on it's way to Your location thus- it arrived destroyed/damaged.

 

[Northerner]

Thanks. I wasn't expecting to find something quick and affordable exactly here on this forum, but my quest in local adds and auctions sites shows no promises too.
I was hoping to get one before Christmas, but no luck so far. Even if I'd find something outside Europe, shipping would cost like hell, who knows how the packaging would survive the handling. Than there are local customs checks, and where I live, it frequently happens that custom officers in post "loose" items of their liking. Everything over 25$ value faces customs tax, and it depends on the mood of customs officer. So I could pay 0$ or be pushed into corner to pay 200% of what I've paid for, and I have no intention to gamble like that. There are no garage sales here, no paypall, only western union, so I really don't know where to look. I know there's lot of boomboxes locally - stashed away, forgotten, considered worthless etc. but I can't go door to door checking. :'-(

I would go knocking!...or at least advertise in a 'wanted' column, that seems to work for those who have tried it

 

[LJV]

I keep on thinking about the ways to buy one where there is obviously biggest offer and that is US.

I have a relative living in L.A. She comes every year to visit family in Europe, so if she'd take a boombox with her, wouldn't that be the safest and cheapest way? Seller would get money safely, there would be no packaging,shipping, handling and customs unknowns.

 

[Northerner]

Reckon that would work but bear in mind prices seems to be higher in the states due to higher demand. A lot higher than the uk anyway as far as I can see

 

[THAFUZZ]

I keep on thinking about the ways to buy one where there is obviously biggest offer and that is US.

I have a relative living in L.A. She comes every year to visit family in Europe, so if she'd take a boombox with her, wouldn't that be the safest and cheapest way? Seller would get money safely, there would be no packaging,shipping, handling and customs unknowns.

e have a few Boomboxery members that migh be of assistance with helping Your elative. But, when flying, He/she might be asked to stow it in th eoverhead compartment or under the seat . Meaning, carry ons would make it a rather smaller one. In 1986, I flew back from L.A. to Texas with my new Lasonic TRC-931. I carried it on board and the flight crew graciously offered to stow it in the service area, where they sit. That was very nice of them. Maybe that's still a possability. Just a thought.

 

[LJV]

The problem of modern world is that 5% of collectors own 95% of boomboxes!