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I worked on a LOT of VCR's and camcorders in the late 80's and 90's (and a lot of those were RCA) so I went back through my database. It appears that I looked at about a dozen VLP900's in my career but only one VLP970 (in '97). The $170 estimate to repair it was declined. I'll bet that unit sold closer to $1500 than it did to $1000 in '86.
V meant 'video product', L was the model year ('85), P meant portible (as opposed to T for table top). The higher the 3 digit number usually the (edit: number of features/higher price point). The first digit of the serial number is the year manufactured and the next two digits reflect the week of the year it was made.
But anyway, as far as the belt I would imagine the 970 deck would be the same as a 900 but I can't be 100% sure about that. The loading belt for a VLP900 was a 164425 (20 years ago). Good luck finding that now. You'll probably have to find a generic belt to fit. I'm thinking there is only one belt in that deck (the loading belt). The capstan motor was separate from the idler motor so no belt there. And the cassette lift is mechanical so no motor or belt there.
As long as you're replacing the load belt you should replace the idler. If the rubber is shot on the belt it will be shot on the idler, as well. You'll need a small hex wrench for that. I don't see the part number in my notes database (like it would do you any good today).
Yes, the 'L' line was the first year for the all-in-one 'camcorder' (the CLR200). Just like your 970, the CLR200 camcorder was made for RCA by Hitachi. I believe that was also the last year for the camera that plugged into the portible recorders (the CLC025). The 'M' line ('86) had no separate cameras and portible VCR's- it was the first year for camcorders only.
Anyone that thinks camcorders are expensive today should go back and look at the prices of all those items when new!
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