Sony TC-K61 Cassette Service Nightmare Part 1 - problems galore with this one

My grandparents' old cassette deck was a Sony TC-K45, so I am on a mission to collect every Sony TC-K cassette deck with wooden side panels made during the same period (1979-1980).
That path goes right through this heavily worn TC-K61 I found on eBay for $120. Is this thing ever going to play again?
In part 1 we'll determine what's wrong and try to get the front side of the transport all finished. Part 2 will have the rest of it.
Facebook: / theweatherwolf
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Camera gear I use:
Nikon D800, Nikon Z50, iPhone XS Max & 13 Pro Max, DJI Action 3, Autel Evo Nano+, Autel Evo Lite+, DJI Mini 3 Pro

[@lachlanlau]

Just got the K65 today.. apparently it is very similar to your K61

[@Oklawolf]

Yep, same transport. I responded to your forum thread over at tapeheads earlier.

[@ibllizdollar]

can you tell me why my vu meter is not flashing.. and the electric current path?