Goldring G99 - A Resto too far 8-<>

Pt 1 - Introduction

I could not refuse this G99 at the price I paid. I hope you lot are in for the long haul as I'm going to need a lot of patience sourcing spare parts for this beauty. This unit came from Kent and it looks like it's been stripped for another resto project. Not to worry I couldn't see this deck fester for any longer so I decided to take the plunge and buy it.

This is what the deck looked like from straight out of the box.

Attachment 21000

The G99 is a little more complex than the GL75 but only because it has slightly more features. This was the Rolls Royce of the Lenco idlers. I stripped the deck ready for refurbing the plinth and additional parts.

Attachment 21001


A quick scrub over with some warm soapy water and a little pure alcohol to get rid of any sticky residue and grime. The deck looks a lot better already.

Attachment 21002

That's it so far. This deck really is a horror story and I have some real cringe worthy photo's for you lot over the next few months (or maybe years).

Stay tuned folks.

Was this from eBay? If it were I think it was an auction I kept an eye on just in case :) It does look pretty dire, but some clean up and maintenance could do wonders and I guess most of important mechanical parts are interchangeable with an L75?

I've had one of those Andy and a G88. I left them standard as they were in mint nick. I'll be interested to see what you do with this. They are lovely units.

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Originally Posted by helma

Was this from eBay? If it were I think it was an auction I kept an eye on just in case :) It does look pretty dire, but some clean up and maintenance could do wonders and I guess most of important mechanical parts are interchangeable with an L75?

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Yes from eBay. Just wait till you see the rest of the photographs! A lot of the 75 and 99 are interchangable but I want to keep as much of this original as possible.

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Originally Posted by walpurgis

I've had one of those Andy and a G88. I left them standard as they were in mint nick. I'll be interested to see what you do with this. They are lovely units.

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It's just going to be a complete stock refurb, nothing fancy, no modding, no tweaking just a faithful resto. I've already refurbed a classic tonearm for this project (more phot's later).

Oh dear Andy , you sure do like a challenge mate :) I have no doubts whatsoever that you will turn this around though :)

Please clear your inbox mate .

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Originally Posted by brian2957

Oh dear Andy , you sure do like a challenge mate :) I have no doubts whatsoever that you will turn this around though :)

Please clear your inbox mate .

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Lets hope so, inbox now cleared.

I used to have a couple of G99s, both of which I sold on to a member and an ex-member here. Nice decks: very quick start and speed settling time; very wide speed adjustment range, and ample opportunity for fettling. Commisioned by Goldring from Lenco to be an alternative to the Garrard 301/401, it will be intereresting to read of your thoughts of the comparison.

Have fun!

In reviews of the time, the G99 performed better than the 301.

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Originally Posted by hifi_dave

In reviews of the time, the G99 performed better than the 301.

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I liked my G99 better than my 301.

Tonights update - The Goldring Resto Pt 2 - A survery of the damage to the deck.

OK, big deep breath, here we go ....

Speed selection switch knackered, might be able to salvage?


Attachment 21007

Idler arm rubber dampener kaput!

Attachment 21009

Motor spindle corroded and knackered.

Attachment 21010

Bearing spindle knackered.

Attachment 21011

See I told you all it was bad and I havent even finished with the rest of the pictures! As bad as it may seen all this damage is pretty easy to sort out. The motor/bearing and idler arm being a piece of cake. The speed selector switch might need a little lateral thinking but I'm sure we can think of something. Tonights work is assessing damage to the top plate. I might just do a complete re-strip and repaint from fresh. Check out Pt 3 for more horrors!