JVC RC 838 Project (Part 2) - Teardown, Inspection & Casette Door Repair

Hi folks,
Following up from the unboxing video of the old JVC-838 (Part 1), here's part 2 - the first 'proper' section of the repair. In this video, I tackle the broken cassette door mechanism, gut the internals and appraise the work ahead.
I erroneously call it 'Part 1' in the video, as it's the first actual work on the unit - but technically, it's the 2nd part of the series, so the next will be part 3!
I hope you enjoy it - stay tuned for part 3! Also check out my JVC RC-M90 project, which is also underway.
Thanks very much for watching. If you enjoyed the video and would like to help support the channel with repairs, materials and continual improvement, please make a 1-off donation via the link below (no subscription or strings attached!) - thanks so much!
www.buymeacoff...
You can copy and paste the link, or link directly from the channel bio.

[@FitzArias]

15:20 - see "1981-2-3" stamped on it. Can only figure out it was built in 1981, so it looks like a late production model. 2-3 could mean 2nd of March, 1981? Interesting!

[@FitzArias]

Probably too late now, but that rusted out batt. spring you can dip it in a cup full of Coke soda and it should remove the rust clean from it.

[@MarianaEstrada-u6d]

I have one JVC 838 the radio sound low in high volumen

[@retro_restos]

Great machines - well worth fixing!

[@boomboomroom1427]

Thanks for the video, it really helps people who want to repair/work on these boomboxes. I have 1 question, exactly what type of epoxy/resin did you use. I have had very bad results with using epoxies for some reason.

[@michaelrowbottom8868]

I am trying to separate to front cover as you did but I cant seem to find all the screws do you have a diagram or can point me in the right direction. I have the service manual but it only shows the removal of the back cover.

[@michaelrowbottom8868]

Is there a part three I have one and need to clean the slides and switches that crackle and smometimes dont make correct contact what do you use to clean them

[@franciscorivas3322]

Another great video, that's an awesome collection, this RC838 has a bunch of circuitry and looks complicated but I know you'll be successful in the restoration. Good luck, looking forward to the next video

[@retro_restos]

Thanks very much for watching - and having faith in me 😂 I look forward to getting more done soon 👍📻

[@boomboomroom1427]

Also im working on the door of my jvc rc 838 and i broke off 1 of those small, clear plasstic knobs and would like to know the type of epoxy to use on this material.

[@tonyfab3543]

Hi how do I contact you ?

[@retro_restos]

Hi, the best ways are through my Instagram (retro.restos) or email [e-mail] Thanks

[@jimmyk9523]

Enjoyed the video I recently serviced a blaupunkt car cassette player, new belts, cleaned everything, replaced the pinch roller. However when I play a cassette the singing sounds ok but the instruments sound out of tune, no adjusting of speed or alignment seems to cure it.... What could be the issue here?

[@retro_restos]

Thanks for watching - much appreciated. As for your car cassette, are they precision belts? The vocals and instruments are of course embedded in the same tracks-so in reality the whole tape is affected the same way (hence speed adjustment not fixing it) - but any wow and flutter tends to be more noticeable with instruments, as these tend to hold notes (keyboards, strings etc). If the belts are high quality, (and the pinch roller), it may be tightness in the spindles from bent pins or hard grease (causing uneven turning resistance), heat distortion or wear on idler pulleys, a tight spot on the motor due to standing a while... So many factors, so try turning the motor by hand and oiling the spindle. Run it up without the belt to feel for uniform running, try another belt, reinstate the old pinch roller, turn the spindles by hand to feel required torque - hopefully you can isolate it. Another thing could be if the end float on the flywheel is incorrect. If it's touching the keeper plate it will cause drag. Hopefully there are some ideas there at least. Good luck with sorting it 👍

[@jimmyk9523]

@@retro_restos Thanks for the reply. It was doing it before I serviced it but not sure if someone has been in before me or not. I would assume they are precision belts, I got a pack of them off amazon and maybe they are not good enough for this unit... Although I did use a belt from the same pack on another one and it was fine. Will investigate what you've suggested, thanks again