Hitachi Boombox TRK-8300. BASKET CASE REBUILD! How to Change the Belts.Radio Cassette Repair

Hi Folks,
I've serviced and repaired many Hitachi Radio Casssettes over the years, but this was new to me - I had a box full of parts that the previous owner had stripped due to issues with the cassette mechanism and sound output. These are normally quite reliable units, so will a systematic service and rebuild be any use? And are all the parts even there...?
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[@EgoChip]

Nice rebuild. It's like LEGO for electronics nerds. You did it without an instruction book too!

[@retro_restos]

It is a bit like LEGO! I think it would be much more difficult with older units, as at least these have multi-plugs to guide where the wiring should go.

[@maiconvengrzennunesbusolog4864]

Nice 🙂👏👏

[@retro_restos]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@midwestguy42]

I noticed the DC drive motor doesn't have a hole to insert a screw driver to adjust the speed calibration. I guess any speed adjustment on this model would be hiding somewhere on the PCB. That would drive me on the edge!

[@retro_restos]

I think the regulation circuit is mounted inside the motor housing on this one. I think I would have mounted a buck converter with a variable DC out to facilitate adjustment if this had been running 'off' speed wise. So much easier with the motor built in trim pots! Thanks for watching 👍

[@80s_kid.]

i was given a Sharp GF9090 just like that, all the bits were all thrown in to a plastic storage box, a friend stripped it to re belt it but just got bored and gave it me, i rebuilt it, it looks in lovely condition now and it's from 1979, they're a great solid little radio

[@retro_restos]

Lovely machines, those old Sharps. It's very satisfying when the plan comes together, as Hannibal used to say 😃👍

[@RoughJustice2k18]

I've repaired many radio-cassette boomboxes over the years, and never once needed to strip them down completely to fix electronic or mechanical issues. There is nothing more infuriating than having to fix someone else's mistakes plus the original faults; I really avoid the "jigsaw puzzle" repairs as there may be a chance of some parts being incorrect or missing. Persistence, patience, perseverance and perspiration paid off for you in the end with that Hitachi. 😇👍

[@retro_restos]

Absolutely. I do sometimes strip down units; but mostly due to multiple faults, severe filth, or if I'm building one from several units. Otherwise 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it.'
I'm pretty familiar with TRKs, and knew I could always use this for spares, but yeah - it's not usually a good idea to buy a box of bits with the sole intention of having a complete, working unit at the end. I got lucky here - which was a bonus!

[@RoughJustice2k18]

@@retro_restos Only downside was a missing knob. Everything else came together nicely. 😇

[@peterperry1583]

All it needs is a couple of elastic bands,an easy fix for someone 😂

[@retro_restos]

Exactly 😃