Tape Project Forum
Tape Machines => Tape Tech => Topic started by: U47 on April 04, 2008, 11:16:10 AM
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I'm looking for some help on getting the old Ampex 960 running with decent w/f specs. Anyone have ideas on how to improve this transport? Electronics and heads are great on this old classic IMO.
Rich Brown
Acoustic Arts
Portland, Oregon
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Hi Rich,
I replaced the Delrin thrust bearing that the capstan shaft rides on with Teflon, and it was a very audible improvement. The stock heads are only good to 12KHz. I've also modded the electronics on past F44s I've had with our C4S kit and upgraded coupling caps, with good results.
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I have one that I am trying to get running as a surprise for my father who worked at ampex from 1960 to 1970. The 1260 was part of a hi-fi console in our living room that also had a nice Girrard record changer on the other side. I have got everything going good but the "clutchs" on the take up and rewind tables are worn out so it will not fast forward or rewind. What ever material that is supposed to allow some slippage has worn out to the point where there is not enought friction at all.
Don't know if there is a fix for that, and that is the bearing that doc was referring too, or if I need to find a workable model and get the parts.
Travis
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Hey Tavis, when you talk about the 'clutches' being worn, do you mean the idler wheels? I have an Fine Line f44 Ampex and I think all the mechanical linkages etc. should be similar. If the idler wheels are worn, you can get them rebuilt by Terry Witt. Other than those, my deck is big on rubber belts and those can be sourced from Vintage Electronics.The links for Terry's Rubber (or whatever it's called) and Vintage can be found in the reel to reel links sticky at the top of the General forum. Do you have a manual? I got mine from Vintage too.
BTW, the bearing Doc was talking about is at the far end of the capstan motor.