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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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9th Feb 2023, 12:08 pm | #1 |
Octode
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Oxfordshire, UK.
Posts: 1,906
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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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9th Feb 2023, 2:08 pm | #2 |
Heptode
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 653
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Re: Source of belts
I use https://webspareparts.com/en-gb and have had good service from them.
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Martin BVWS member GQRP Club |
9th Feb 2023, 5:52 pm | #3 |
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 27,785
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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. |
9th Feb 2023, 6:19 pm | #4 |
Octode
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Oxfordshire, UK.
Posts: 1,906
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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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9th Feb 2023, 6:28 pm | #5 |
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 27,785
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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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9th Feb 2023, 6:42 pm | #6 |
Nonode
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Gloucester, Glos. UK.
Posts: 2,149
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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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Oh I've had that for years dear!! |
9th Feb 2023, 6:43 pm | #7 |
Nonode
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Gloucester, Glos. UK.
Posts: 2,149
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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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Oh I've had that for years dear!! |
9th Feb 2023, 6:56 pm | #8 |
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
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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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9th Feb 2023, 7:13 pm | #9 |
Octode
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Oxfordshire, UK.
Posts: 1,906
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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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9th Feb 2023, 7:39 pm | #10 |
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Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
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Re: Source of belts
Indeed, almost all portables use thin square section belts.
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9th Feb 2023, 8:25 pm | #11 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Rugeley, Staffordshire, UK.
Posts: 8,809
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Re: Source of belts
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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10th Feb 2023, 10:31 am | #12 |
Octode
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Lund, Sweden
Posts: 1,631
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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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10th Feb 2023, 12:12 pm | #13 | |
Dekatron
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Rugeley, Staffordshire, UK.
Posts: 8,809
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Re: Source of belts
Quote:
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10th Feb 2023, 1:58 pm | #14 |
Heptode
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Southampton, Hampshire, UK.
Posts: 816
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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 |
11th Feb 2023, 10:33 am | #15 |
Octode
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Thetford, Norfolk, UK.
Posts: 1,731
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Re: Source of belts?
I think the site you are thinking of may be https://fixyouraudio.com/
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