77 Tape Deck/Radio Problem

[Govette77]

Hey Guys - need some advice - I got some used 8 track cassettes and tried a few in the stereo and they worked fine. Problem is the radio station indicator did not spring back when the tape was pulled out - I have never used the 8 track before so I am looking for some help on how to get the radio display back into position. All suggestions appreciated.
Cheers
Darryl

 

[wishuwerehere82]

There's a switch in the back of the tape holder that engages the tape drive and disengages the radio when the tape is pushed in. The contacts are probably dirty.
You will have to remove it from the console and take the case off the deck to see the switch. Probably some electronic contact cleaner will get the fuzzballs off the contacts and get it working again.

If it is the door in the face that is not closing, there may be a broken spring on the pivot point, or the tab that holds the spring is broken off.

 

[Govette77]

There's a switch in the back of the tape holder that engages the tape drive and disengages the radio when the tape is pushed in. The contacts are probably dirty.
You will have to remove it from the console and take the case off the deck to see the switch. Probably some electronic contact cleaner will get the fuzzballs off the contacts and get it working again.

If it is the door in the face that is not closing, there may be a broken spring on the pivot point, or the tab that holds the spring is broken off.

Ya, its the door/face of the radio that's not closing so you're suggesting that I may have to pull the radio to get at this too?
Thanks for the input!

 

[wishuwerehere82]

Ya, its the door/face of the radio that's not closing so you're suggesting that I may have to pull the radio to get at this too?
Thanks for the input!

OK, I have one of those on my 79 Electra.
If you push the 8-track door down, the spring is on a metal shaft in the center of the door right at the bottom. You can see it with the door open. Yes, you will have to get the face plate off the radio to get to it. The spring is probably broken. I don't know where to get a replacement.

 

[Govette77]

OK, I have one of those on my 79 Electra.
If you push the 8-track door down, the spring is on a metal shaft in the center of the door right at the bottom. You can see it with the door open. Yes, you will have to get the face plate off the radio to get to it. The spring is probably broken. I don't know where to get a replacement.

I got the door closed! I made a "J" shaped piece of coathanger wire, sharpened the hooked end and reached in and pulled on the top of the door and it closed. Pushing it partially open with my finger shows it will return to the closed position when its released. Problem is its sticking on something when fully deployed so maybe some electrical spray on the pivoting mechanism will help.
Again, thanks for the help!