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Restoring Sears Console

Yes it seems to be friction fit. There may have been some adhesive on the top at some point also, but it came out cleanly. Thanks again for your help. I’ll get that on order!
 
I sprayed Deoxit in mine and it worked - pretty much. There is sound every time a record is played now but the treble is sometimes a bit attenuated until I bump the headshell a bit. Maybe I'll try it again. The only real sure way of fixing them is to disassemble and physically clean the contact areas. I don't think the Tetrads can be disassembled, though.

Doug
 
Sounds like you got it working at least partway with the deoxit fix! One quick question. I noticed the light bulb in my tuner is not working. More cosmetic than anything. Is there a standard size bulb that is used on these? Or what would be the best way to find the right size? Take to a place like ace hardware or someplace similar?
 
I forgot to say I was going to post my reply about which cartridge yours is from VOM before I saw your post but was too slow. That's why I edited it and thought it was funny we both found the same one. Another thing, when you have the console on for the changer, is there any hum from the speakers if you get your hand/fingers near the cartridge plug or holding the plug. There normally would be although I don't want to generalize and say there is something else wrong if not. Not until the new cartridge is installed can a determination be made.

Anyway, there were many bulbs used in various pieces of equipment over the years. Are there any numbers on it? Can you post a picture of it?

Doug
 
I have taken the turntable out of the console for now so haven’t been able to test with my hand near the cartridge plug. But when I get it put back I. I’ll try that. Sounds like I needed a new cartridge regardless...fingers crossed that is all.

I think I figured out the bulb situation. I stupidly pried it straight upward when I removed it, and there were no markings on the glass. But I realized I just pulled the glass out of the bulb base. Once I removed the base, I found the numbers GE 1847. And that appears to be a searchable type I can order a new bulb from.

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I am curious if there are any thoughts about what powers the little green lights for the 8track program indicator. Those look like LEDs?
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I should probably clarify my last question. The four program lights are not lighting up, so I’m wondering if I need to find four new light bulbs...or if it’s something a little more complex than that (like early stage LED lights?)

For me, it’s mostly cosmetic that the little lights don’t work...but would be cool if they did (if not a huge hassle!)

wondering if anyone has seen this unit before and could shed some light on it lol!
 
Well I received the voice of music cartridge in the mail today, got it installed, and it’s working great! Also replaced the bulb in the tuner.

Here’s a video of it WORKING LIKE NEW!!
https://share.icloud.com/photos/0kaNfUd66nHgVEUiSOCXsx01Q

I need to fiddle with the 8 track player now because it’s no longer playing when it was last time I tested. Once I get that figured out, I’ll put on the back panel and call it done! I’ll post some final product photos when I’m all done. I don’t think I have posted any finished photos from the front since it was all assembled.
 
Cool! I'm glad it works.

The track lights are undoubtedly little light bulbs. They didn't commonly use LEDs for that stuff yet when that console was built. They should just pull out of the rubber grommets. I would check to see if they are getting voltage or, lacking a way to measure the voltage, remove one and connect it to a battery and see if it lights, at all. It's possible they are all burnt out.

Doug
 
Usually there is a rotating switch that controls the track lights as the tape head is raised or lowered. This rotating contactor gets pretty corroded and loses contact. A shot of Deoxit will do the job if you can get into there, real hard to access usually. Be kind of unusual, but possible, for all the lights to be burned out.
 
Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll take a look and see if I can find this contact area. I dont have “deoxit” brand, but have a can of contact cleaner. Same difference? Or does it need to be that brand? I guess I can try generic and then if it doesn’t work try to find that brand. The one I have is a wd-40 brand electrical contact cleaner.
 
Thanks. I’m going to give this a shot. Doing a little googling to see if I can find a picture or diagram To help me locate the right part to apply the cleaner to.

in the meantime—I got the 8 track playing again! Cleaned the play head with alcohol and removed and replaced the belt after cleaning the pulleys. I don’t really know what fixed it...but it’s working again and that’s great!

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0RqLcJooof0I1gF7TKn2MO58Q
 
Well I tried the contact cleaner on the 8track player, but couldn’t get the lights to work. It’s entirely possible I’m not spraying it in the right area though.

I can live without them working. It’s only cosmetic.

I thought I should wrap up this thread with the completed photos. Thanks anyone who was following and to those who offered advice and feedback along the way!!

it was a fun project!

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