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Vintage Tape (Audio), Cassette, Wire and Magnetic Disc Recorders and Players Open-reel tape recorders, cassette recorders, 8-track players etc.

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Old 9th Feb 2023, 12:08 pm   #1
Martin Bush
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Default Source of belts?

Hi all

I have a small number of cassette machines that need belts. I seem to recall a good site that was able to provide the rights belts for the right machine, but I can't recall its name.

I am not skilled enough to work these things out or follow trial and error - I prefer to get a kit of belts I know is right.

Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Martin
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Old 9th Feb 2023, 2:08 pm   #2
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Default Re: Source of belts

I use https://webspareparts.com/en-gb and have had good service from them.
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Old 9th Feb 2023, 5:52 pm   #3
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Default Re: Source of belts

CPC stock a range of flat belts suitable for capstan belt replacements in cassette decks. You just have to measure the belt size. The belt width doesn't usually matter much so long as it's not too wide for the motor pulley.

https://cpc.farnell.com/c/audio-visu...owResults=true

For other less critical belts, just buy one of the belt assortments sold by Chinese eBay sellers for a couple of quid. These can help you size the capstan belt too. I've completely rebelted several boombox type radio cassettes with these cheap generic belts and never had any problems.

Be wary of so called 'belt kits' sold for specific models. These are expensive, and very unlikely to be made by the OEM.
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Old 9th Feb 2023, 6:19 pm   #4
Martin Bush
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Default Re: Source of belts

Thanks chaps.

I like the idea of having the right ones for the model. Some machines still have the belts intact to some extent, but at least one has none at all which would make measuring impossible.

I do have a bag of belts from ebay, so I suppose I could give it a go.
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Old 9th Feb 2023, 6:28 pm   #5
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Default Re: Source of belts

People really just assemble the kits from generic belts that match the OEM dimensions. It does save you having to estimate the belt size (assuming the seller has done a good job) but that's not very difficult. If you doubt your ability, just order two belts, just below and just above your estimate. It'll still be much cheaper than buying a 'belt kit', and you'll have a spare belt for possible use in the future.
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Old 9th Feb 2023, 6:42 pm   #6
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Default Re: Source of belts

I have a large number of belt kits from a silent key forum member which I rescued if there is a particular one you need.
I've no idea what's there as I don't use them myself but can look if you have specifics.
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Old 9th Feb 2023, 6:43 pm   #7
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Default Re: Source of belts

I do know that some of them are in car cassette ones and a quite a lot of them are Blaupunkt .
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Old 9th Feb 2023, 6:56 pm   #8
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Default Re: Source of belts

A lot of car mechs just use 1.5mm or 2mm square section capstan belts rather than the flat belts typically found in HiFi decks.
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Old 9th Feb 2023, 7:13 pm   #9
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Default Re: Source of belts

I have two hifi sized decks and two portables - one being Walkman size. The latter may suit the belts in my ebay bag.

Anyway, I will see how I get on.
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Old 9th Feb 2023, 7:39 pm   #10
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Default Re: Source of belts

Indeed, almost all portables use thin square section belts.
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Old 9th Feb 2023, 8:25 pm   #11
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Default Re: Source of belts

Quote:
Originally Posted by Martin Bush View Post
Thanks chaps.

Some machines still have the belts intact to some extent, but at least one has none at all which would make measuring impossible.
Just tie a piece of string around the pulleys then snip it and measure it's length (circumference), from which you can calculate diameter, ie divide by 3.142.
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Old 10th Feb 2023, 10:31 am   #12
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Default Re: Source of belts

Unless you can't figure out the belt path ... I recently came across a Telefunken M203 with no main belt, and it took a bit of head scratching to figure out the actual belt path. (Once that was done it turned out I by luck had one that fit almost perfectly). Having an original belt would give some clue as to the belt path.
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Old 10th Feb 2023, 12:12 pm   #13
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Default Re: Source of belts

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Originally Posted by ricard View Post
Unless you can't figure out the belt path ... I recently came across a Telefunken M203 with no main belt, and it took a bit of head scratching to figure out the actual belt path. (Once that was done it turned out I by luck had one that fit almost perfectly). Having an original belt would give some clue as to the belt path.
Well yes, but as you did yourself, you just have to get stuck in and figure it out! Or leave it..
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Old 10th Feb 2023, 1:58 pm   #14
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Default Re: Source of belts?

I can highly recommend Vintage Electronics.net but they are in the USA and I know there was some concern over whether they would continue to ship to the UK after Brexit, but they're definitely worth a try.

https://www.vintage-electronics.net/beltkits.aspx

If you do order anything, then do add their Belt Fitting Tool to your order for $8.25 - it's an absolute godsend!

https://www.vintage-electronics.net/...tion-tool.aspx
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Old 11th Feb 2023, 10:33 am   #15
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Default Re: Source of belts?

I think the site you are thinking of may be https://fixyouraudio.com/
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