Got Screws?

LBPete

Rolling Along
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YUP, got 'um! Here are the 6 most common Sansui screws. Feast your eyes on this unobtainum porn.

M3x6.jpg M3x6S.jpg M3x6SB.jpg M3x8S.jpg M3x8SB.jpg M3x8SW.jpg
These are almost exact duplicates of the most common Sansui screws. The only real difference is the tips are slightly different and the head of the washer screw have a smaller dome. The heads, thread pitch, surface finish and lengths are 100% correct.

This image shows original Sansui screws in the bottom row and the new screws in the top row.

Seven Common Screws.jpg

I also have a supply of the M3 flat head screws used on the top of the face plates on 9090/8080 and 9090DB/8080DB. It's on the far right of this picture. Also note some color variation for the short gold screws. They have a green tint to them. It's a normal color variation for this type of plating.

I can supply these screws in any quantity or any combination of types. PM me for more information.

I have a solid source for a whole range of oddball Japanese screws so I'm open to suggestions for other screws for other manufactures.

- Pete
 
Nothing sh#is me more than finding gear with missing screws.

Can someone please tell me how this happens? A screw falls from the work bench onto the floor, how does it end up 4 meters away :idea:

We done Pete on sourcing those screws.
 
Great detective work Pete,

If yo wanted to "round off" the screws that do go missing - perhaps some black M4 pan head case/cover screws in a couple of different lengths (8 or 10mm, and 16 or 18mm), although is is possible to get these from various sources. The other thing that goes missing is the oversize black flat washers used with the case screws (particualrly on wooden covers) - these aren't easy to find.....

I'll see you over in Bartertown!!

Cheers

John
 
Some nice detective work there. I'll need to see how I'm set stock wise. I have a decent supply from badly trashed units parted out (yes, I always stripped and kept the screws as well) over the last 20 years. But, a supply of new hardware may be worth having...
 
If yo wanted to "round off" the screws that do go missing - perhaps some black M4 pan head case/cover screws in a couple of different lengths (8 or 10mm, and 16 or 18mm), although is is possible to get these from various sources. The other thing that goes missing is the oversize black flat washers used with the case screws (particularly on wooden covers) - these aren't easy to find.

I've already looked into the screws and washers for the wooden cases. The screws are no problem but those oddball washers are quite pricey. The minimum order is 3,500 pieces. Even pennies add up at that kind of quantity. To get what I have so far, I've had to buy over 10,000 screws to meet minimum order quantities. It's unlikely I can sell them all.

I've been looking for these screws with varying intensity for as long as I've been a member here. In the last 6 months I ramped up the search. I've literally searched the world and in the process I've spent time and money on false leads. But I've found the real deal, imported from Japan from a major Japanese supplier.

I'd really like to cover my costs and hopefully make a few bucks for my time. That's my dilemma, how to price and package these damn things to cover costs and not piss people off in the process. I know it's ridiculous to ask half a buck for a tiny screw but that's the reality of selling this stuff in small quantities. I'm very much open to suggestions on how to strike that balance.

- Pete
 
You should charge for the screws based on what you get them for plus what you consider to be a reasonable markup for your time and effort. But having mind to the number of potential purchasers (I will be one ;)) and what they (especially the foreign purchasers - like me) will be prepared to pay.

Having said this, original and proper screws will likely only be of interest to serious collectors and perfectionist restorers, so maybe all you can do is break even or possibly make a small loss - sadly.

I'll be thinking about what I can use, and what I can afford, in the coming days, and will PM you with my requirements. Maybe other UK based enthusiasts and myself can/could discuss a 'group buy' if this would make costs less for us 'foreigners' :)

Lastly, this is an exceptional piece of dedicated work from you Pete, it's only what we have come to expect from a person of your calibre, and I for one am very grateful.
 
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Great find Pete, would any of those screws be used on any other Sansui models . Etc 8 Deluxe , getting ready to send my Ba-3000 , Ca- 3000 out in March to Lee in Ottawa for a compete over haul . I would be interested in at least a few complete sets . Have a few s places around me that specializes in nuts , screws and stainless stuff .
 
John, thanks for the kind words. Like many things I've done here, the prime motivation is personal need. I'm tired of crawling around on the floor looking for dropped screws. I don't have a lot of money tied up in this. It's not going to break the bank. It's basically beer money . . . . but I do drink a lot of beer.

The biggest issue for the off-shore boys is shipping cost so that alone may make it worthwhile to do a group buy. It will save me multiple trips to the Post Office too.

- Pete
 
Early 1970s builds used some different screws. The Eight and Eight Deluxe used mostly small machine screws and if memory serves, they had a smaller head. I can probably get them but I'd like to get a feel for the demand on what I have now before branching out.

To put it in perspective the 771 was introduced in late 1973 and it used these screws so I'm guessing anything newly introduced in that time frame would have these screws.

- Pete
 
I know it's ridiculous to ask half a buck for a tiny screw but that's the reality of selling this stuff in small quantities. I'm very much open to suggestions on how to strike that balance.
I wouldn't want to go to the post office unless it was a $20 and up package.
 
When I get a chance I will send out a email to all the SMAC members and seeing if they are interested in any of those screw .
 
I'm sure these screws are used in other equipment. If they are looking for other types of oddball Japanese screws, let me know.

- Pete
 
Thanks, I'll look into that.

The first order came in last night and it really showed how out of whack my pricing was. I've revised it in Barter Town Parts and you should find it more reasonable.

- Pete
 
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