Dansette Major Restore

[Amxen50]

Thanks for that information John. This is what's on it at the moment. I'm not a fan of the green but I like the checks. I would like to strip and replace it all as it's a little battle scarred.

[PJL]

Mine is still on the original mono cartridge and I use it for playing old 45's which are mostly in dire condition already. Goes quite loud and doesn't sound too bad.

[Amxen50]

Just a quick update. Found out they no longer make the Rexine that I'm after, So iv ordered some Red and cream to replace what I have. I know maybe a rookie buy with the red and cream but it seems popular. Secondly, i got this motor grommets and they are a perfect fit as far as I can see. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rock-Ola-R...53.m1438.l2649

[John10b]

Hi
I also use red and cream, this was a popular colour, it would seem with Dansette record players.
I use white PVA washable glue to stick Rexine onto cabinet.
Sid Chaplin gave me some good advice, such as:
Practice on some wood, or old cabinet if you have never covered a cabinet before.
Don't use too much glue, or you will get air bubbles, a bit like hanging wall paper.
Take your time with corners etc and use a sharp knife, scissors, roller and damp clean clothes.
Measure the Rexine up against the cabinet and cut out the shapes you need.
Finally take your time and enjoy.
All the best
John

[Amxen50]

Ok here we go a before and after photos so far. Need to do the hard ware then the electronics

[canonman75]

That looks great!

[John10b]

Well done I'm impressed, is it the first time you have recovered a cabinet?
Did you remove the old Rexine first?
When I carry out a restoration I try to remove old Rexine, but this can be very time consuming, but does give a better finish.
Cheers
John

[Amxen50]

Hey John yes first time recovering one. But im one of them people that will do it as good or better than it was. Its just in my nature. removed all the old Rexine and replaced it. i understand that you cant get the green and checkered any more, So when with what i like the best. It is a horrid job removing the old stuff as i think the glue was old animal glue. The corners are the hard part. the rest is easy enough. You just have to remember the construction

I was going to peroxide bleach the plastics but i think the yellowing looks ok with the cream

[John10b]

Hi Mick
Just wondering what are you going to do with the hinges and handle etc. Are you going to try and clean, I didn't have much success so I bought a few.
There are a number of suppliers out there, cost about £10 for hinges.
Cheers
John

[Edward Huggins]

The original finish of the hinges, clasps etc was bronze. I would soak the originals in Vinegar to clean them up.

[John10b]

Thank you Edward I'll give that a try.
Cheers
John

[Amxen50]

Originally Posted by John10b

Just wondering what are you going to do with the hinges and handle etc. Are you going to try and clean, I didn't have much success so I bought a few.

Hi, John, I tried them in vinegar with little success. So i have replaced them all along with any other part that was not up to scratch. Even got a chrome doodad for the cable to pass through. The cabinet is not finished I just need to do the electronics

[John10b]

Wow looks better than new!
Just a small observation, did you try and retain original Dansette labels etc?
When I do refurbish cabinets I try and remove labels etc and them incorporate them onto cabinet to try to keep to original build.
However sometimes they look a bit tatty so I use new ones.
Cheers
John

[Amxen50]

I wanted to keep to original labels, It was quite challenging as they wanted to fall apart. But I have managed it. I have attached them to some backing paper then reattached them to the lid. They look ok and give it a bit of authenticity. Pull it would be £20 just for 2 small labels.

[Amxen50]

Can i just ask for recommendations for the Mat/ platter? Was it rubber from the factory. what options now. do i still need rubber ?

[Edward Huggins]

You will be highly lucky to find another rubber original, although they are sometimes sold on eBay for quite high prices. You can use a (Black?) felt slipmat cut down to size. If you wish to try something stronger than Vinegar for the cabinet fittings, you can try Builder's "Brick Cleaner" - a form of dilute acid.

Looking ahead, have you been able to verifiy the working condition of the cartridge as yet? If it is still fully working, then that will be a major future hurdle already overcome.

[John10b]

Hi
Yes as I understand the mats were made of rubber. From my own experience this seems to be the preferred material to prevent the records slipping.
You can buy mats, and cut them to size.
Can I direct you to do a search in this forum, just go to search and put in "turntable mats". The forum members have provided much information and well worth a read.
Cheers
John

[Amxen50]

iv just ordered the parts to replace the capacitors. I also intend to fit a preamp that i hope to get from Ian Russell

[leslie5555]

For the turntable mats I use fab foam which is available from hobby craft its the right thickness easy to cut , comes in a variety of colours and only cost a couple of quid and works well.

[John10b]

Thanks for the information, I'll give it a try.
Cheers
John