Magnavox D8443 Tape Deck Question

[theseeker77]

So I finally got my hands on the Magnavox D8443. I used to have one when I was a teenager in the 80s and 90s. I am going to order the gear replacements from eBay (thanks for the link 80sKidWannabe) and I am going to reach out to https://kenselectronics.com/ via email to get the replacement belts. Everything seems to work well but something is off about the tape deck. When I put a tape in, it's does not seat properly. It's almost like there are pieces/guides missing. Is there supposed to be two metal pieces that hold the tape in place in the tape deck? Any help is greatly appreciated. I have a attached a few pictures.

 

[floyd]

The cassette doors tend to warp over time and you have to fiddle with the tape to get it into the slot where the door closes right.
I'll have a look at mine and see if there's any spring .

 

[theseeker77]

The cassette doors tend to warp over time and you have to fiddle with the tape to get it into the slot where the door closes right.
I'll have a look at mine and see if there's any spring .

Thank you!

 

[floyd]

I looked and there are indeed springs . one on each side of the cassette slot.


If you have an old VHS tape there is a spring inside that is similar in size and shape that you could cut the spring in half and use the halves to make 2 smaller springs.

 

[theseeker77]

I looked and there are indeed springs . one on each side of the cassette slot.
View attachment 59506
View attachment 59507
If you have an old VHS tape there is a spring inside that is similar in size and shape that you could cut the spring in half and use the halves to make 2 smaller springs.

Oh wow, I can't believe I remembered that after all these years. Something felt off when I was putting in the tapes and sure enough that was it. Thank you for the suggestion for getting the spring from the VHS tape, there is no way I would have thought of that. I will let you know how it goes.