B.I.C. T-3 Belt Change - Audiophile 2-Speed BIC Cassette Deck Repair

Another relatively rare piece of hifi history! In this video we'll get a BIC T3 tuned up with a belt change. The T3 was a 2-speed cassette deck that recorded at both the normal1 7/8ips as well as the higher speed of 3 3/4ips. The higher speed is supposed to increase fidelity and create some incredible recordings. First step is getting the belts changed and getting it working so we can start on a video about this fabulous tape deck. This isn't designed to be a step-by step, all-inclusive video about changing the belts in this machine, but it will give those with experience in repair a good overview about how to get these pieces of tape history back up and running again.
I've had folks ask about a diagram of the belt routing. I have one uploaded to my Patreon page for those wanting to see one.
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#cassette #audiophile #vintageaudio #vintageelectronics

[@wheatonna]

Thank you for this! These BIC decks are so handsome! And the high-speed option, cool. But they are a real pain to work, on, they say, and my T-1 proved it true. Not only the ship-in-a-bottle belt change: I had to swap out the pinch roller as well. Getting the old one off without damage to its bracket was well, very difficult.

[@Frank_nwobhm]

The trick with that pinch roller is to gently drill out the retainer side of the pin and then tap it out with a punch on the other side.

[@SteveHartmanVideos]

I have the T4M, unbelievable sound quality!

[@robgifford3766]

Had one , as good as a reel to reel.

[@megawhitemaster7740]

awesome video,good job!!!! thx so much.

[@VintageElectronicsChannel]

Thanks for watching! I appreciate it.

[@ronaldfriedline9297]

Have a pair of Bic venturi formula 6 speakers. Love em

[@waynetoddstrong4048]

@@VintageElectronicsChannel Hey what sizes were your new belts on the bic t-3..thanks

[@obtainiumgaming4472]

You need to service that left VU meter. Sticks.

[@VintageElectronicsChannel]

I've since corrected that.

[@waynetoddstrong4048]

How do the belts run..do they go..around the first capstan..then how does it run on the second capstan to the motor...can you show a sketch diagram of how the belts run!!Thanks Wayne

[@VintageElectronicsChannel]

The belt needs to go around them in order to spin both in the same direction or your take-up spool will run backwards. Let me see if I can get a good pic of it for you.

[@waynetoddstrong4048]

@@VintageElectronicsChannel Thanks so much..Wayne

[@waynetoddstrong4048]

@@VintageElectronicsChannel even if you just sketch the belts layout..I would appreciate it..Thanks Wayne

[@VintageElectronicsChannel]

Wayne, send an email to the email address in my "about" section on my channel. I can't post a picture here in the comments. I'll get either a pic or sketch out a diagram this evening for you.

[@waynetoddstrong4048]

@@VintageElectronicsChannel Hi,sent email..much appreciated..if you could show the routing of both belts..I would be in you debt...thanks Wayne

[@waynetoddstrong4048]

Hey what sizes were your new belts..thanks

[@VintageElectronicsChannel]

I found a set on ebay for a few dollars, so I ordered those to be sure I had the correct ones.

[@waynetoddstrong4048]

@@VintageElectronicsChannel How do the belts run..do they go..around the first capstan..then how does it run on the second capstan to the motor...can you show a sketch diagram of how the belts run!!Thanks Wayne

[@waynetoddstrong4048]

Sorry ..But I got a new belt set ..and I'm sure I'm running the belts wrong..thanks again for any help...Wayne