Epic Boombox Transformation: TRC-931 Revived!

[@kingheathen]

Dude! That's so awesome! You made me miss my old radio from when I was in high school. There's just something different about having a boom box and not just playing a song through a blue tooth speaker. Great work!!! I was so wanting the kid's radio to be a fit for the cassette deck!

[@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger]

Thanks!!!

[@80s_Boombox_Collector]

That's because old boomboxes have better midrange sound for outdoors use. Modern bluetooth speakers have better bass, but weaker midrange so you can't hear them from great distances.

[@SeanTolan_illuminated_imaging]

When I was a teenager my dad bought this boom box for me in 1986, and wrapped it putting it under the tree for Christmas. That TRC-931 went with me everywhere until about 1988. I got married and it went on the shelf. Then one day a few years later my wife sold it...I miss that thing. (P.S. I was not happy that she sold it)

[@Locoboy5150]

Fantastic job on giving that Lasonic TRC-931 a new lease on life! I love it whenever an old boombox is saved from the junkyard. For those that don't know, the TRC-931 is a very desirable boombox today amongst fellow boombox collectors. I have one in my collection and I enjoy listening to it from time to time.

[@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger]

Thanks!

[@jeffguy5841]

Tedious work but you professionally dismantled that boom box, and professionally reassembled it. Awesome work!!!

[@raggahiphop46]

I seriously wish i had someone like you living in my area. Amazing job you done restoring the Lasonic.

[@scottsmith3276]

Wow. A dishwasher?? Really?? That was a gutsy move, Maverick. Great job! And, I apologize for taking your favorite table at the restaurant today!

[@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger]

You like that "maverick" move huh? Realistically... what did I have to lose? Subbed to your channel. Looking forward to content.

[@josefeowyn2614]

This guy is very good at this wish it was me that had the talent

[@trs-80fanclub12]

I dont know what floored me more, the perfection or the heart.

[@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger]

Thanks. How did you like the dishwashered cassette decks?

[@trs-80fanclub12]

@@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger TBH I was like, OMG thats the first crazy thing I would have tried and probably failed. Crazy results man.

[@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger]

@@trs-80fanclub12 I seriously didn't expect it to work. But figured ... what have I got to lose?

[@trs-80fanclub12]

@@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger amazed at how it could have passed for Ebay NOS. No way I would have guessed that outcome.

[@rushtk2112]

I just bought a lasonic in need of repair. I grew up in an orphanage and when I left I had to move into a homeless shelter so I could only have a few things. Gave away my 2 boomboxes and othe 80's stuff that is bank now. I am trying to fix this one when it gets here to give to my son in college. I'm sorry but these things just make a trip or cookout more fun! Mine even had disco lights!

[@SuperBad850]

Fantastic job on this restoration. I’ve got 2 931 boom boxes sitting on my bench. I’ve got everything I need, except the time & skill.

[@Grantovius]

That's awesome! I didn't think it could look that good.

[@80s_Boombox_Collector]

Good work man

[@MorganaRavenheart]

Personally, I think the Conion C-100f, or JVC M90 are the Holy Grail of boomboxes. The Lasonic was probably top 5 though. I used to have a Magnavox D8, the one with the round woofer in the middle and it was nice when I was a teen.

[@harritkoster8654]

the ending is so funny amezing it works the dog has to dance LOL

[@rev.waynet.oleary7387]

That was the best repair ever.. loved watching that! A big hello from the UK!

[@keithwhisman]

You did the right thing replacing all the caps on your radio, keeping the originals wouldn’t have given you the same sound it originally had but replacing them restores it to factory sound. Great job. I’m not a fan of junk sound from old dying caps..

[@wal]

This is the best boombox repair/resto video I've seen! Awesome, subscribed and looking at other vids now 👍

[@juansoto2818]

Great job but just a quick tip. Next time as you remove any knobs, cassette keys, small chrome or sliders first then just drop them in a really hot bowl of water with dish soap. Let them soak as you continue working in a radio. Less water to waste and comes out the same if not better. Something I always did with my boomboxes when I cleaned them up.

[@mrhawk1924]

Back in the day those was the box to get and the JVC. I have one with double cassette deck

[@abelardo0105]

No me canso de ver el video es bueno saber qué hay personas que vuelven a darle vida a estos equipos de música

[@DavidDiaz-hh4gi]

Claro por qué no....yo lo he hecho varias😊

[@Grantovius]

That's awesome! I didn't think it could look that good. One thing that came to mind is that if you're looking for an alternate tape deck I've heard old Nagra tape decks are relatively cheap and in demand with enthusiasts.

[@jasonhall9662]

Wow! I'm super impressed. Very well done Sir and very well thought out and put together. I'm a boombox collector and have around 20 vintage boxes if you need another one to work on. Let network on something

[@sheaandtesla4599]

Sick video man! I’ve recently started collecting and restoring boomboxes they’re super interesting machines! Love the content

[@HenrihsAhmadejevs]

Genius! This channel should have at least half a million subscribers, not 243. What’s wrong with people?

[@robert5861]

Wow, perfect, great work!!!!! I think I should also restore my TRC-931, it hasn't been in operation for 7 years :( . And my ghetto blaster is already 25 years old ;) Somehow it doesn't sound like it used to, or boom bass isn't like it used to be :( . Greetings from Vienna, Austria

[@mattd03411]

Loved that

[@edwardbianchi192]

I find most of my electronics from tag sales or thrown away. I never worry about tape decks not working if they have aux inputs. I have the same Lasonic found in a dumpster. I cleaned it up and it works well. I wish I knew how to change capacitors. I have so much equipment that can use that upgrade. For and inexpensive unit I liked that it had auxiliary inputs and outputs. Sounded loud. I liked that the tuning “needle” changed colors when station tuned in, a feature that my more expensive boxes did not do. I also liked and disliked the VU meter display. Good stuff!

[@jesusmartinez7560]

You are so amazing, Scott. You won a suscriber from Venezuela, nice work!

[@Christopher-z1i]

Great work

[@dustyrecordsturntables]

Awesome video, first time in you channel and for sure I will stay subscribed!

[@SteakElectricity]

Very enjoyable to watch! Love your editing style when cleaning and putting it all together. Thanks for a very informative and entertaining video!

[@LSnium]

My first time on this channel, and I have to say, this is the MOST interesting channel Ive ever seen.

[@rev.waynet.oleary7387]

Another piece of history saved, amazing....

[@loranfrank4403]

Man this is awesome I wonder if I can have my Lasonic I 931 converted to a TRC 931

[@tennaj1367]

4:18 Hip-Hop/breakdancing dust !😄

[@rushtk2112]

Beautiful

[@armandorivera186]

That's the way to do it! Still mines looking new!

[@EndUser2090]

This is cool, I wonder if you can still make use of the left over parts to make a B grade boombox. It would still be a valuable part of history

[@nelsonmercado100]

Very nice. I have approx 13 vintage boombox that need to be restore. Actually they are not in bad shape just need some attention. Let me know what I need to do

[@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger]

You can reach me at [e-mail]

[@davidoakmusic2669]

Awesome l! Learned a ton!!!

[@72labus]

Super!!!

[@mauricecallahan1229]

My name is Maurice ,I just seen your video where you restored the vintage boom box and I was very impressed by your style and diligence.A true master repair man. I have a boom box vintage 1980’s that belonged to my wife’s father who died of cancer and the box was willed to me.I have tried to call and inquire all around to have it restored to it’s originality .The cassette doesn’t work but the radio does. It’s a Hitachi 8610W cassette recorder boom box.I am willing to pay the cost for the repair if possible .If not could you refer me to someone who can repair it .For I know you are probably quite busy …please let me know something. Respectfully Maurice I am in Ca San Jose

[@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger]

Contact me at [e-mail]

[@rushtk2112]

Was also thinking about changing out the woofers to new shallow car ones.

[@d.carroll1965]

I have 2 lasonic boomboxes that need repair , I hope to make one complete out of two

[@keithwhisman]

This is a toy from my generation, generation X and I dreamed of owning one when I was young and just didn’t have the money growing up poor.. I’d love to find an original in working condition.. Just wish I wasn’t still poor but damn I’d donate a testical for one.. I know they make new ones but they aren’t as nice as the original.

[@MrWaalkman]

Beautiful work on that restro! For my retro computers, particularly if they have been damaged by a leaky battery (a Varta battery in an Amiga comes to mind) or capacitor, I soak them in 5% white vinegar and then give them a good scrubbing with an electric toothbrush. From there it's a rinse under the tap, and a quick trip to a 91% alcohol bath (with another scrubbing to get the residual flux from the re-capping off of the board). Yes, this is all done outdoors. :) I've done it to a dozen boards and they all have come out fantastic. And while I'm not going to guarantee it, your average el-cheapo electric toothbrush appears to fall into the intrinsically safe category. But you're on your own if you use this method, and your burns and skin grafts may vary. So I would recommend using a non-electric one... As for replacing the caps, it's what I would have done (and have done to several boards including Amigas, Commodores, and Speccys).

[@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger]

How does the vinegar work for you on the battery corrosion? I haven't had much luck with it.

[@MrWaalkman]

@@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger It neutralizes the alkaline that leaks from batteries (I'm looking at you, Varta), and caps. I use 5% white vinegar, so it's not strong enough to *quickly* do any damage. Especially given that the alkaline has been gnawing away at the traces for years. So be patient. You will know that you haven't got it all if the board gives off a an acrid smell when soldering. After several hours you will no longer see bubbles coming off of the board and the affected area will have a bluish "scum" that can be scrubbed off with a brush. Where you run into problems are with memory sockets and edge connectors that have been attacked and are no longer reliable without taking further steps. Flux heated with your soldering iron followed by scrubbing with IPA can help, as well as De-Ox-It (or its cheaper cousin, De-Ox-Id). I just soak the board for hours, and I don't have much problem with crappy contacts. Probably one of the very best repair guys is GadgetUK164 on KZbin.

[@80s_Boombox_Collector]

@@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger Put some baking soda on top of the vinegar. It bubbles up and works pretty good, especially on car battery terminals.

[@FjongRootDivision]

AMAZING!!!!

[@tennaj1367]

Great work!! Subbed

[@loranfrank4403]

Mr.Scott I'm a tell you something people are looking for repair men right now for vintage electronics Stereos TVs , etc I have 1990 Zenith Floor model TV I'm holding on to one day would to love to not only repair it but possibly give it modifications that newer TV has.

[@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger]

I have already had several people contact me about doing repairs.

[@loranfrank4403]

@@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger What were you able to tell them Mr Scott??

[@JoeMama._.]

this editing is fuckin amazing subbed

[@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger]

Thanks!

[@GetMooreProductions]

I have the same exact one!! I'd like to get some things repaired on mine. In better shape than his tho.

[@d.carroll1965]

I have three of thoes and the ones that I have need restoration, in other words , I need help to get them restored.

[@allen-rp3gm]

No double boxing for return shipping after all that work?

[@johnnyquan9108]

man! that was great! can't wait for mine i ordered.. thanks for the tips, now i have ideas and techniques on basic cleanings. it's just i will never put the deck on the dishwashing machine, i don't wanna know what's gonna happen if i put it in there..haha! 😅👌

[@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger]

I had no idea myself. I figured those two were trashed already so what would it hurt.

[@MrWaalkman]

@@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger Nah, no problem. It's been a thing for awhile now. Just be sure to not use the heated drying. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZq7f3iclLOCl80 And I'm a stickler for following up a wash and rinse cycle with an alcohol bath. The alcohol "dilutes" the water left on the board, which prevents surface rusting of metal parts, as well as gets rid of any flux residue. I use 91% alcohol, and because I'm not completely crazy, I do it outdoors. I follow up the alcohol bath with a good shake to get the remaining alcohol out (Commodore Amiga 2000 motherboards are particularly known for hanging on to fluids) and then I "blow" dry it using my hot air soldering station set to 100C.

[@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger]

@@MrWaalkman what kind of alcohol are you using?

[@MrWaalkman]

@@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger Hah! Not the drinking kind if that's what you mean. 😄 Just the cheap Walmart 91% stuff.

[@TiltedTripodMedia]

thank you so much for this video showing the entire teardown as It will help me when I tear down my Lasonic try 931. mine is in way better condition. everything works however the tuner string dosent move the indicator but does tune the radio. It needs new belts and when I touch the boombox whith it on it makes a buzz which is probably bad caps? I really don't want to have to re cap it as ive never done this and it would be a learning experience. Its in great cosmetic condition but of course ill clean it. What do you recommend to clean the plastic and the clear plastic over the vu meeter and cassette door?

[@seangriffon6502]

Wow you did such a great job restoring this boom box. You did everything i do to restoring old electronics. I have ran many things through the dishwasher. I can even leave the heat off so fragile plastics are not melted, and when dishwasher stops, i just use compressed air and blow off everything with that. I have ran many crusty tape decks through the dishwasher in which i did not see you do so, but did you remove the capstan wheel pin and oil the bearing? If not then the capstan pin may start squeaking or run slow and cause the tape to drag. All in all you did a great job on this. Did you put the other one bavk together, and would you be interested in selling it? Just curious.

[@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger]

I didn't put the other one together. There are not enough parts to do so. I plan on using it in some other project. (Don't know what yet)

[@loranfrank4403]

Maybe using some Naval Jelly or Evaporust using a toothbrush perhaps

[@cuttnice]

I have a clair tone 7890 that needs fixing. cosmically it looks great but both decks don't work. Let me know if you can help with this. thanks

[@cuttnice]

Thank you for emailing me. Check your email sir as I emailed you back with more information about my boom box! Appreciate you!

[@joydipsarker3437]

Sir please make a video on Panasonic RX-DT 680 and Panasonic RX-FS430

[@Sonyman34]

Soak it in white vinegar for the rusted parts. Wash out with water then air dry

[@loranfrank4403]

As popular as this particular boombox I've yet to see anyone make 3D rendered printed replica parts for it the panels, the knobs, the grills, even the tape mechanisms Assemblies etc

[@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger]

I may start doing that. The real problem is that 3D printed parts do not have a glossy finish. HOWEVER ... maybe a neon red speaker grill would be of interest to someone. Hmmm...

[@loranfrank4403]

@@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger ok sure that won't to start using paint it'll chip over time & no one will want that. Mr Scott thank you sir I wouldn't have thought of that possibility, Apparently you done 3D printing parts. Im researching some info on those who have done a gloss on 3D printed parts. Is it a particular plastic that glosses better that you know of??

[@loranfrank4403]

@@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger Mr. Scott I assert I have found someone would definitely be interested in a Neon Red Grill speakers matter of fact red seems to be his whole thing a youtuber by the name HIP HOP Trooper sports a red starwars trooper costume he has several vids already about his adventures.

[@davidmoore2308]

Can you list the products and what they are used for to clean the stereo up .?

[@TheNewYorkHustle]

Awsome job... any parts forsale? :)

[@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger]

Contact me at [e-mail]

[@TheNewYorkHustle]

@@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger I sent you an email. Thanks

[@ssgeek4515]

Still got my sharp gf9500 from 1984.cost £180 now....well I'm not selling

[@satkinson8281]

The radio decal is different at the end of the video compared to the start (condenser microphone)

[@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger]

Good catch!!! The decal was spliced together from the two since both had damage in different areas. Can you see where the separation is?

[@satkinson8281]

@@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger Yes it's the left side/start of the radio dial numbers just after the tiles and the sould level indicators.

[@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger]

YEP!!! you know your 931s! I saw a Bluetooth mod on your channel. Do you do that for fun of professionally?

[@satkinson8281]

@@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger Both really Those 931's are built somewhat better than the Crown sz5100/Unisef but the sz's are simpler and have internal fuses. So less likely to blow parts difficult to replace, Better for beginners lol😆 I too was once a beginner😐

[@dwarfboy9996]

How did throwing tape decks in a dishwasher work?

[@d.carroll1965]

I have two lasonic boomboxes that need repair I do not have the knowhow , Can you tell me where I might have both of mine repaired?

[@stereomann83]

can you replace the head on the 931 from one of the other boomboxes?

[@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger]

Yes. One would have to align it to the cassette tracks. But one of the tape decks I refurbished had the exact same head.

[@RalphClifford-tp7om]

I have a trc 931 true first generation I would love to get restored. Can you help me out with this?

[@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger]

Contact me at SoundChips at gmail

[@stereomann83]

would an ultrasonic cleaning machine be good for cleaning the parts?

[@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger]

Yes, definitely.

[@kenneth7610]

Do you still do repairs on vintage boomboxes?

[@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger]

My time right now is booked up on creating my sound chip (see other videos) but after it is done, I can reevaluate. Goto Soundchips.com and fill in the contact form.

[@djflakoelmonstruo9908]

Wd 40 to remove all that rust

[@arca9e295]

How much would it be to restore the internals but leave the cosmetics as is? I just recently bought one off eBay that fully functions but isn’t cosmetically perfect. It has some minor damage to the graphics around the power button and missing the dial and one of the levers. I already sourced replacements for those items but I want to keep it’s weathered appearance since it will be used at my work. Essentially it will be like an old classic car with patina but is electrically and mechanically sound

[@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger]

Send pics to [e-mail]

[@aaronbranson3314]

Just buy a 3rd one but get one that parts only

[@SavDog262]

do you know what belts are needed for the lower tape deck?

[@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger]

I don't. Sorry.

[@FosterChild116]

I have one in need of restoration. Do you have any parts available?

[@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger]

Yes.

[@Christopher-z1i]

How many batteries does this take

[@rushtk2112]

Would like to add a bluetooth to the one I bought.

[@manuelbarahona5269]

Señor Reparador, solo por Reparar está costando . Esa cantidad de $ 1000 dólares en tipo de aparatos, y repuestos de Radio grabara Lasonic . Si tiene envíeme repuestos de Lasonic

[@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger]

Can you repeat that in English?

[@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger]

If you are still interested in getting it refurbished, then send pics to [e-mail]

[@tony64t]

Being someone who's old enough to've been around during those years when Lasonic and other Korean made products ( Hyundai, Goldstar and Daewoo, to name a few ) were introduced to Americans. They were considered to be inferior and low quality, compared to the established comparable Japanese brands. It's probably why this model is in such poor shape, and didn't fare too well over time.

[@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger]

Well I can tell you from the viewpoint of one who has restored one... your description in spot on. It is amazing to me that the are worth so much now-a-days.

[@80s_Boombox_Collector]

Lasonics were made in Taiwan, and yes they were low-quality, but collectors like them because of their style

[@bizzy203q3]

Do you still do this

[@joserodriguez-wm3bm]

i dont got power in my cassette motor help please💯💯💯💯👍👍👍👍

[@WarmerMusicVideos]

not the best boombox back then. Just a cheap one that was flashy.

[@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger]

I can tell you from working on it that it was incredibly flimsy on the inside.

[@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger]

Had to subscribe to your channel b.t.w.

[@quangnhuanthich2402]

Bao nhiêu vậy! You ?

[@jesushernandez4323]

How much would you charge me to restor my Lasonic TRC-931?

[@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger]

Contact me at [e-mail].

[@lowlowsandclothes9923]

Do you have a phone number or email, I need advice on fixing the cassette decks in a boom box I just picked up

[@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger]

[e-mail]

[@mrhawk1924]

How much 601$$

[@UrOpinionsSucc]

Oh my god, i want a Lasonic TRC-931 or a 975. But they are crazy expensive. Guess i'll get the bluetooth version.

[@sonjaberry-perez6969]

Do ÿ òu fix oñ llà,,bŕàñds of ɓoò. Boxs

[@frozedickdave]

Wow what a great video Do you know of any good good books to read or resources where a guy with modest knowledge of mechanics, electronics, and electrical might get a good start doing this kind of thing as a hobby?

[@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger]

Actually I don't. Watching similar videos is probably going to be your best resource. Be sure to subscribe to my channel because I will be putting up a lot of tutorials

[@frozedickdave]

@@ScottSavageTechnoScavenger yeah I already did as soon as I was done watching your video in your tutorial could you go over caps a little bit IE choosing the proper caps for a project and things like that. thanks for your consideration

[@loranfrank4403]

Maybe using some Naval Jelly or Evaporust using a toothbrush perhaps