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Bic 980

mindseye

mindseye

Member
Have a chance to grab a BIC 980 for peanuts. Only caveat is platter won't spin according to owner, but it was working before it went to storage.

I'm aware of the hard glue issue with BICs. My question is, would a novice repair guy like myself be able to handle this TT if things get hairy??
 
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Define "hairy."
Assuming the motor still works ...these tables are eminently fixable...Vinyl Engine has the parts diagram.....and once you get it spinning again the BIC is a surprisingly satisfying TT.
If nothing else.....get it and take it apart and put it together again as a confidence builder....What do you have to lose except time and money?

KJR
 
The answer is "perhaps", or maybe "probably". :)

I repaired one a year or 2 ago with the usual problem and I'm starting on another one. It's actually not hard glue, but more like lube that has hardened like glue. There are a few threads here on the topic but this other site has one of the best descriptions on how best to work on it I have seen:

http://www.helioza.com/Directory/Recreation/Audio/Fix-A-Stuck-BIC-960-Turntable-1.php
 
It's like anything, it just seems daunting the first time. Now I could fix these in my sleep (I have 5 or 6).

Nice sounding table that has an undeserved bad rep, IMO.
 
mindseye said:
Gonna go for it. Appreciate the replies!
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You won't regret it! I like the BIC turntables a lot. The 981 is my favorite, but the 980 and 960 are both very nice. I'm sure there are threads upon threads about restoring these, but after the platter is freed, you may also want to go through the moving parts on the bottom side of the platter. Not horribly daunting, and as stated before, a good confidence builder.

Have fun, get it running, and enjoy the music it makes!
 
moodydan said:
You won't regret it! I like the BIC turntables a lot. The 981 is my favorite, but the 980 and 960 are both very nice. I'm sure there are threads upon threads about restoring these, but after the platter is freed, you may also want to go through the moving parts on the bottom side of the platter. Not horribly daunting, and as stated before, a good confidence builder.

Have fun, get it running, and enjoy the music it makes!
Click to expand...

Picked it up, it's actually a 981! Apparently the guy was the original owner, but hasn't played records in a long time.

The good: Looks good (pretty clean, pics coming), has manuals/dust cover, and what looks like a nice Shure cart/stylus.

The bad: It's platter is not budging. It almost seems as if it isn't plugged in as I attempt to try some of the functions (no motor sound)

Gonna take the advice of AK'ers and dig in and get her going. First plan of attack is to take off the platter safely and do necessary cleaning per Montycat's link.

I'll update with good news, hopefully :thmbsp:
 
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I don't know if you have seen other threads but don't force the platter to turn. You can break the platter bearing from its mount. It has to be freed first by using penetrants or heat.

The motors in BICs are pretty much silent unless you listen very closely because they are only 300 RPM instead of the usual 1800 RPM. Look at the motor control board while you turn it on and see if the little bulb on there lights. If not, either the power micro switch is bad or the mechanics to activate it are sticking and not letting it work.

Good luck and congrats on the 981 - a cross between the 980 and 1000.

Doug
 
Doug G. said:
I don't know if you have seen other threads but don't force the platter to turn. You can break the platter bearing from its mount. It has to be freed first by using penetrants or heat.

The motors in BICs are pretty much silent unless you listen very closely because they are only 300 RPM instead of the usual 1800 RPM. Look at the motor control board while you turn it on and see if the little bulb on there lights. If not, either the power micro switch is bad or the mechanics to activate it are sticking and not letting it work.

Good luck and congrats on the 981 - a cross between the 980 and 1000.

Doug
Click to expand...

Thank you Doug, I'm listening.
 
They're good

Fixed up two 960s last year. I really them. No room at the Inn:tears: gave one away and sold the other. Both went to Brooklyn NY. Gently remove platter with penetrating oil or heat as said here. I liked the way they sounded. Very quiet,speed dead on. Would have liked to keep one but have three Dual's hooked up. Have fun with it.
 
stereofisher said:
Fixed up two 960s last year. I really them. No room at the Inn:tears: gave one away and sold the other. Both went to Brooklyn NY. Gently remove platter with penetrating oil or heat as said here. I liked the way they sounded. Very quiet,speed dead on. Would have liked to keep one but have three Dual's hooked up. Have fun with it.
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thanks Stereofisher. Do you recommend any oil in particular?
 
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In case you didn't know, you have the fanciest base BIC made, and the lightweight headshell (also an upgrade I believe).

Anything under the flip-up door in front?
 
rmoreau61 said:
Nice spread. I've always loved the styling of this series of turntables. Yours is a beauty!
Click to expand...

Thank you. I'm digging it. These BIC TT's wouldn't have been on my radar if not for the knowledge and experience of the family here at AK!


kirk57 said:
In case you didn't know, you have the fanciest base BIC made, and the lightweight headshell (also an upgrade I believe).

Anything under the flip-up door in front?
Click to expand...

Didn't know that about the base :thmbsp: Found out the cart is a Shure V15 type III. Inside the flip-up door were the long automatic spindle, short manual spindle, and removable record platform.
 
I have used 30 weight motor oil for the platter bearing for many years and it's fine. For all the other places where BIC called for Anderol 757, or later, petroleum jelly, I use wheel bearing grease. That has also been for many years and its never gets sticky or hard.

The platter bearing on BICs was originally lubed with 90 weight gear oil, the same stuff as in automobile differentials, very heavy stuff. I'm sure BIC used it for damping in addition to lubrication but, exposed to air, it eventually turns basically to glue and that's why the platter gets stuck.

The base is the WB22 Deluxe base and it was, indeed, BIC's best one.

Doug
 
Doug G. said:
I have used 30 weight motor oil for the platter bearing for many years and it's fine. For all the other places where BIC called for Anderol 757, or later, petroleum jelly, I use wheel bearing grease. That has also been for many years and its never gets sticky or hard.

The platter bearing on BICs was originally lubed with 90 weight gear oil, the same stuff as in automobile differentials, very heavy stuff. I'm sure BIC used it for damping in addition to lubrication but, exposed to air, it eventually turns basically to glue and that's why the platter gets stuck.

The base is the WB22 Deluxe base and it was, indeed, BIC's best one.

Doug
Click to expand...

Thanks Doug. TT is running, it's very quiet! All functions working. Still have to do re-lube job, including the cue lever. It's dropping like a rock. I'm pretty stoked though :-)
 
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