Hitachi TRK-8300E Belt Change & Service. Boombox Repair. 1980's Ghetto Blaster

Hi Folks,
Here's an brute of a boombox from the '80s. The cassette was totally inoperative, and the radio didn't work either. Fortunately, a decent clean of the internals and a new belt, coupled with a decent scrub on the outside has sorted most of the problems. I'm planning on making a series of 'show and tell' videos on the examples that are in working condition, so please let me know in the comments which ones you would like to see more of.
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Thanks for watching!

[@monsieurturgeon4236]

Thanks man. Now I know how to route the belt.

[@andyb2965]

Thanks for posting this. I've got one of these I bought in '81 or '82 and lived on my arm for years. Radio still working but the tape mech isn't running so will follow your instructions and get the belt replaced. They're wonderful machines and a great testament to Hitachi's build quality that they're still servicable after 40+ years.

[@retro_restos]

They are lovely machines. The quartz clock gets dodgy over time, and the main selector switch can be an absolute pain to replace when it is worn. I have several of these that need that doing - plus one open on the bench at the moment with tar where the belts used to be! But overall they are beauties. Robust, chunky looking and hard wearing. Good luck with your service, and thanks for watching 👍

[@andyb2965]

@@retro_restos Nearly forgot, do you have the belt sizes please?

[@retro_restos]

@@andyb2965 I don't have the belt sizes to hand, but Matt at Mana Tree will sort you out with a kit (you'll find them on ebay - Decktech Belts). Tell him Dylan sent you. If they haven't got it, I have one due for belts and I'll measure some up for you.

[@Senna-xi1gr]

Cheers mate you have just helped me open mine. Now to check & clean then service 🤞🏼

[@retro_restos]

Thanks a lot for watching and taking the time to comment. Much appreciated 👍Have fun with the service!

[@Senna-xi1gr]

@@retro_restos Hi again, I’ve now got the back off & like yours my belt has melted over time, Do you know where I can get spare belts? Thanks again for your video it’s been a great help.

[@retro_restos]

@@Senna-xi1gr Hi, glad you're making progress with it! You can get cheap belt kits from ebay with a mixed selection - you can usually find a decent fit. The problems though can be more wow & flutter, and variation in tape speed (different belt thicknesses can change it a bit) - but some of these can actually work very well if you try a couple. Your best bet it to research the size and order that way. Again, ebay will offer sellers that you can choose a list from a drop down box if they don't actually have a kit listed. Annoyingly, I can't find my record of the size to tell you, or I'd let you know. In the UK (where I am) eBay is about my only option - it can cost me £40-£50 to get a $5 belt shipped and imported, which is not worth my time. I recommend mana_tree on ebay. Sensible prices, fast delivery and good packaging. They can often advise too. Hope that helps!

[@Senna-xi1gr]

@@retro_restos Thanks again, I have actually emailed a guy on eBay who is Uk based. He has belt kits for £21 . There’s also a German company but they want £70 for the same thing so prices vary a lot. I am waiting for Uk reply. Regards. Mark

[@mustafacakr3838]

Good job📻

[@retro_restos]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@bbssteve]

you're a legend for this! was just wonder what the length of the replacement belt was and where you usually source them from? cheers!

[@retro_restos]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. I couldn't find the notes I made for this one regarding belt length unfortunately. However, it's a fairly straightforward pathway, so you can use your old belt (or a piece of thin string to get length, then subtract around 5% for snugness/grip. I sometimes use the cheap belt kits to get the size and feel right, then use that as the reference to buy a decent one. In the UK, I use mana_tree on eBay. They have been quick and well packaged, and decent quality. Hope that helps. Thanks again and maybe consider subscribing if not already! Cheers 👍📻

[@albertocabezas282]

I think you forgot to relocate the lever you disassembled before to take out the flywheel (min. 9:40). Anyway, good work.

[@retro_restos]

Possibly. It can be tricky to perform some of the things while filming, as some tasks end up out of sequence - and they end up being opened up a couple of times. It was all sorted in the end though. Running perfectly now. Thanks for watching 👍

[@NorthumberlandEcho]

Great channel, I’m looking to service and repair a very good condition Hitachi TRK7011E. Would you possibly offer this service ? Thank you

[@retro_restos]

Thanks for watching 👍The 7011 are nice units. How long have you had it? What seems to be the issue with yours?

[@NorthumberlandEcho]

@@retro_restos Thank you, it’s a superb channel you have. It’s a nice sounding unit the 7011 but the tape is not running at correct speed so I suspect it’s the belts. Also slightly odd interference on radio while tuning.