NIB vintage boomboxes - are they really 'Turn Key' ready?

[jimmyjimmy19702010]

Hi Guys,

With the recent Ebay sales of NIB vintage Boomers, I got to wondering whether these mint, boxed units would be 'ready to roll' or would they need extensive servicing to restore full functionality. Externally they would look perfect but surely the internal switches, caps etc would have aged. We all know what can happen when a radio is stored with zero use for many years - rotted belts, sticky/filthy switches, dried up caps etc.

To those in the know, would a boxed radio that has never seen AC or DC power for 30+ years have deterioted internally due to a lack of use?

James...

 

[bklyn sound]

hey jimmy I belive how the radio was stored...if it in the original plastic in a climate controled enviorment ..i think it should be ok...but if it was stored in a gararge im shure you will have all of those nasty issues....

 

[Gluecifer]

Yeah, I don't know. I bet the belts work perfect for the first couple of minutes before they stretch out.
Caps could possibly be more at risk without having any current at all through them for 30+ years, I'm sure Norm would know more about that sutff.

The switches and stuff should technically be ok if it's all been sealed up, though. Still, all that time of no use can't be good for connectivity.

I'd really like for someone who's bought an NIB boombox to talk of their experiences!



Rock On.

 

[chevyman-uy]

I think there is a risk that certain parts fail, especially belts, because the material is aged. As electronic components can also suppose to be bad on so long without use.I have the experience with x01 bombeat, but have a defect in a channel, and has no signs of having been used.
making a comparison with cars "turn keys", if you found a car of 30 years without use, surely you would have to change, fluids, oil, water hoses, etc.. the risk that in both cases,is present.anything made ​​in this world is not designed to be used a lot or not used too.

 

[redbenjoe]

most of will never see or get to buy a big old classic NIB grail --

but --there was a ' collector potential ' influence in the kaboom days -
so assume there may be many hundreds of NIBs of all those early cassette models

 

[bklyn sound]

I recently acquired a lasonic 931 nib condition everything on the box was in good condition ... I did take it over to my tech for tuner calibration but everything else was In great shape... Also the seller told me it was Kept indoors ... So I'm sure it had a lot to do with the condition

 

[Lasonic TRC-920]

IMHO, I think the belts are going to give out regardless of how it is stored, BUT a sealed box, in plastic with a packet of Desiccant in it is going to fair better then any other radio!

Just like vintage cars....Use it or Loose it

 

[baddboybill]

I've had a few NIB boomers and the belts were just like new. They played perfect, no static in controls, tuners tuned great. I think it all has to do with where it's stored !!!


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