Thorens TD160 renovation - for charity [Archive]

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Dickchy

07-11-2018, 14:51

My local vinyl shop, Vinyl Vaughan, has been given a Thorens TD160. They would like to sell it to raise money for Headway, a head injuries charity in which the owner of the shop is heavily involved. However, in order to raise more money than if it was sold simply for parts, they would like it to be sold as a working item.
They do not want a full restoration, just renovation so that it is working for a new owner.
I have just collected the deck and it seems that it is worth saving from the scrap heap, so I have said I would try to get it up and running for them, though I have never owned a Thorens deck or worked on one before.
At the moment it does not have a cartridge but I have been very kindly offered a Project Carbon by Stryder5 of this parish.
The top plate and arm appear to be in good condition and there is no noise coming from the motor or bearings. I have put a simple paper strobe on the mat and it seems to be rotating at the correct speeds. The plinth and mat appear to be perfect.
The lid is very scratched and beyond redemption so I will try to source a second-hand one for them. There are scratches on the plinth but I think these can be touched up.
The head shell has only three connecting leads and appears to be missing the plastic plate into which the cartridge is screwed. However I am judging this from pictures on the internet. Can someone confirm please?
I have yet to look at the underneath - there are no feet fitted.
So, do folk here feel it is a project worth undertaking? Is there a UK company specialising in vintage Thorens parts?
I think it's time for me to do a little research.
Here's a pic of the deck - comments from experienced owners welcome.
http://i63.tinypic.com/15aybm.jpg
Here is a pic of the head shell - should there be a plastic plate in which to screw the cartridge?
http://i63.tinypic.com/200rbyf.jpg
The brackets holding the lid have been replaced by screws. Plinth is scratched but probably repairable.
http://i66.tinypic.com/fk2nq0.jpg

Audio Al

07-11-2018, 14:57

I think paying for a restoration will cost more than you will sell it for , Why not sell it as a resoration project for charity
Some members like doing these

walpurgis

07-11-2018, 15:03

The cartridge carrier looks complete to me, just lacking screws. ebay usually has loads of Thorens bits. You will also find headshell wire sets there.

Dickchy

07-11-2018, 15:03

Hi Al,
I am going to do the renovation work. I will not charge them obviously as I am trying to help. Any parts needed I will fund. Hope this clarifies things.
I just wanted to see if folk here thought it worthwhile and for any dos and don'ts really.

Richard

Dickchy

07-11-2018, 15:04

Thanks Geoff, good to know.

Stryder5

07-11-2018, 15:40

Dickchy

07-11-2018, 15:56

Hi Richard,

Going on eBay Charity sales history this deck may bring £160 ish .

Good bits :-

Missing green headshell wire, I'm sure I have a few knocking about you can have.
Headshell looks complete.
Lid may be retrievable, there are kits for refurbishing car headlights that have great results. Not suggesting you buy a kit just the process, you will need various grades of emery type paper and a polishing compound.

Bad bits:-

You won't find a replacement lid I doubt, they command high prices, unless you are very lucky.
Check the tonearm bearings.

Gary
Thanks Gary, can I take you up on the offer of the green head shell wire. I have a few cartridge mounting screws here but they are not the right size to screw into the head shell. Do you know the size (I’m assuming you have owned a TD160) - Apologies if not?
I have a left over headlamp polishing kit here, may give that a go. I will check the tonearm bearings once the cartridge is installed.
A friend has given me an old AT F5 cartridge which has not been used for 15 years or so I may see if that works if I can get the right screws. If not, I will take you up on the offer of the Project Carbon.
I can pm you my address. I am happy to pay for postage.

Richard

Stryder5

07-11-2018, 16:10

Hi Richard,

From memory the bolts are m2, maybe M2.5.

AT F5 is MC as I'm sure you know.

PM me your address and I'll send the green wire.

Gary

Thanks Gary, can I take you up on the offer of the green head shell wire. I have a few cartridge mounting screws here but they are not the right size to screw into the head shell. Do you know the size (I’m assuming you have owned a TD160) - Apologies if not?
I have a left over headlamp polishing kit here, may give that a go. I will check the tonearm bearings once the cartridge is installed.
A friend has given me an old AT F5 cartridge which has not been used for 15 years or so I may see if that works if I can get the right screws. If not, I will take you up on the offer of the Project Carbon.
I can pm you my address. I am happy to pay for postage.

Richard

Dickchy

07-11-2018, 17:02

PM sent Gary. Screws found on E Bay. Many thanks.

Stryder5

07-11-2018, 17:18

Richard, your inbox is full

Dickchy

07-11-2018, 17:39

Richard, your inbox is full

Just emptied Gary, Apologies.

Wakefield Turntables

07-11-2018, 20:09

Yes its worthwhile doing up. You can actually upgrade this to "Super" classification for little money.

Dickchy

07-11-2018, 21:42

Yes its worthwhile doing up. You can actually upgrade this to "Super" classification for little money.
Thanks Andrew, just came across your own TD160 restoration a couple of years ago. Interesting reading. I am new to the 160 so need to research the “Super” classification.

Wakefield Turntables

08-11-2018, 07:51

It's basically a bit of damping a thicker bar board and removal of the felt on the suspension springs of memory serves