[jlb2]

Originally Posted by LuTELLO

Yeah, I guess that was the auction you saw! Got it yesterday. Seller did a pretty lousy packing job but I guess it's ok.

Let's cross fingers

Originally Posted by LuTELLO

So where do I get replacement rubber parts? Some of them were liquified. Thankfully it didn't get too messy.

Many stores selling belts for fixing old VCRs, or o-rings, can provide them. For example here is where I bought mine: Electronique-diffusion. They just happen to be located less than 10 km from me.

For the sizes, you will need the service manual available on the internet. Apparently one of the rubberized wheels next to the right reel table is in very sorry shape too, you will need to have it remade it you want to use that machine. I may be able to tell you the diameters by measuring them on my own Akai (hoping it's the same, mine is a VT-120 so there may be differences).

Note that, if your plans are to play or record tapes on a table top, you can probably make do using an external recorder as tape holder. I did it with a Nagra the first few times: make sure the tape is at the correct height on the audio recorder, wrap it on the tape path of the VT-110 as indicated and back to the audio recorder's take-up reel, switch the latter to play, then start playing with the Akai. It worked well for me.

Originally Posted by LuTELLO

These pictures a pretty good considering I don't have a macro lens or tripod handy

Thanks for the pictures. It's difficult to see the condition of the heads from what I see, but at least they don't look broken. If you can have a really close look on that black hole at the centre of the head in lateral light, you may be able to see a very thin vertical white line in the middle of it, which is the head gap, and get a better idea of its condition.

Originally Posted by LuTELLO

What battery terminals should I use since I don't have a DIN connector right now? Where's the video in/out? Never mind, I found a bunch of stuff I should read/watch first. If there are electronic problems this thing may have to go on the back burner for a long time while I learn my stuff better!

I would advise using the DIN connector anyway. You could solder a wire to the battery terminals, or press it with plastic foam and gaffer tape, but it would be messy and pretty unreliable.