Technics SL-1000 mkII Dust Cover Hinges

[Decibel_116]

Well, my beloved SL-1000mkII dust cover is not staying in the "up" position on its own anymore. I have looked around a bit on the WWW for dust cover parts, but all I can find are replacement hinges for the SL-1200 series. If worse comes to worse, I suppose I can just remove the dust cover and leave it off while playing a record. But, I really would like to fix this issue if at all possible. Does anyone know where one can find replacement hinges for these? Any input is much appreciated.

 

[triceratops]

Well, my beloved SL-1000mkII dust cover is not staying in the "up" position on its own anymore. I have looked around a bit on the WWW for dust cover parts, but all I can find are replacement hinges for the SL-1200 series. If worse comes to worse, I suppose I can just remove the dust cover and leave it off while playing a record. But, I really would like to fix this issue if at all possible. Does anyone know where one can find replacement hinges for these? Any input is much appreciated.

Hey Decibel,

I have the same problem. Mine has an adjustment on the bottom of the hinges to increase spring tension. Unfortunately, the amount of tension needed to keep the dust cover lifted is too much for the hinges, and as you increase the tension, the body of hinge distorts and looks like it might even break.

Based on both of our experiences, I would assume this is a common problem with these turntables. Technics did make these for a few years, so maybe there are later generations of hinge design that address the problem? There are also a few individuals who offer specialty services for the SL-1000 MkII, so they might have some insight into how common this problerm is?

If no one has developed a fix for this, someone should. A crafty person with a machine shop or a 3D printer could probably make it happen!

Best, triceratops

 

[JP]

You can open up the holes for the original adjustment screws and install threaded inserts. Pretty easy fix.

 

[Decibel_116]

I never looked that deeply into troubleshooting fixing the hinges. I thought there might have been a replacement part. When I get some time, I will remove the hinges and look into some threaded inserts. Thanks @JP for your reply!

 

[JP]

Pic from a friend.

Insert: https://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/95117A442
Screw: https://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/91290A228

I think I drilled the hole out to 7mm. Doesn't have to be a true press fit as the spring and screw will hold the inserts in place - you just don't want them to spin so a little bite is good.

 

[Decibel_116]

I ordered the parts. So the minimum was 25 inserts and 100 screws. @triceratops, if you want a few of these let me know. If anyone else is having this issue, I will have extra part. Thanks @JP for providing the details.

 

[Analord]

I am extremely lucky and thrilled to be the new owner of @triceratops' SL-1000 mkII. I was able to get the get the hinge tension issue resolved with the help of a machinist friend, although I think a similar fix could be performed by anyone with basic tools like a hacksaw, drill, and a tap.

On my/@triceratops' unit, someone had previously executed a fix similar to what JP described above, using basic hex nuts and machine screws. The bottom of the hinge assembly where the screws insert was bulged out pretty significantly and I didn't feel good about tightening the screws to increase the spring tension any further (nervous the bulged area might fracture).

I have access to the machine shop at the university where I'm an employee, and my friend who works there suggested replacing the nuts with larger rectangular pieces of steel to spread the force of the spring over a larger area at the base of the hinge assembly. We found some scrap material (we think it is stainless steel, but it might actually be pure nickel left over from something they had to make for a chemistry lab), cut a couple of rectangles to size, and then drilled and tapped some holes for the existing screws that previously threaded in to the nuts under the springs. With the new rectangular inserts installed, the spring tension is sufficiently high to support the weight of the lid. Success!